Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2013 Ad Hoc Diversity Committeer �I ®° CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMOw"'ANUFU Date: January 10, 2013 To: Ad Hoc Diversity Committee Members From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Committee Packet for meeting on January 14, 2013 The following documents are for your review and comment at the next Committee meeting: Agenda for 01/14/13 (page 1) Minutes of January 3 (pages 2 - 5) Materials from City Clerk: ® Proposed list of recommendations (pages 6 - 7) Materials from Police Chief: Article — Annual Shop with a Copy helps area children (pages 8 - 10) Article — New program investing in youth (pages 10 - 13) THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Monday, January 14, 2013 Harvat Hall in City Hall 410 East Washington Street 4:00 PM 1. Approve January 3 minutes 2. Report on Subcommittee Information Gathering Sessions 3. Discussion of recommendations and timeline 4. General Board discussion 5. Tentative Meeting Schedule • January 24 — Harvat Hall (Vanden Berg absent) • January 28 — Harvat Hall • February 4 — Harvat Hall (Botchway absent) 6. Public Input 7. Adjournment Ad Hoe Diversity Committee, January 3, 2013 MINUTES AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE JANUARY 3, 2013 HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM IN CITY HALL, 4:05 P.M. DRAFT Page 1 Members Present: Cindy Roberts, Joe Dan Coulter, Orville Townsend, Sr., Kingsley Botchway II (4:07), Joan Vanden Berg (4:06), LaTasha Massey, Baklrit Bakhit Staff Present: Karr, Dulek Others Present: Raquel Baker Co- Chairperson Roberts began the meeting with the December 17, 2012, meeting minutes, asking if there were any amendments to be made. Townsend spoke to the December 17 discussion, stating that in addition to sharing what is not working that they also said they want to hear what is working, all with a focus on improvement. Coulter moved to approve the December 17, 2012, meeting minutes as amended. Townsend seconded the motion. The motion carried 6 -0; Botchway absent. REVIEW & CONFIRM SUBCOMMITTEE INFORMATION GATHERING SESSIONS: Roberts began the discussion by noting that this meeting is basically to review their calendars for the upcoming information gatherings and to review the revised questions they would like to use at these gatherings. Roberts asked Members if they were still okay with their locations and times. Vanden Berg noted that the time for City High has been confirmed for 10:30, and West High's gathering will begin at 11:00. Botchway arrived at the meeting at this point and Roberts brought him up -to -date. Townsend then spoke to the school gatherings, asking if the time limit is necessary or if they can continue it if things are going well. Vanden Berg stated that she asked that same question of the schools. Vanden Berg noted that because students are in midterms right now, the school is being cautious about how much time they might miss in a class. Townsend stated that they will have to play it by ear and see what type of flexibility students have in their schedules, should they need to continue the session. Coulter stated that they should let everyone know that they can also submit their cormnents in writing to the Committee. . 1 Ad Hoe Diversity Committee, January 3, 2013 Page 2 The discussion continued, with Members talking about how they might handle the school settings if they do need more time to speak with students. Massey suggested a possible meeting after school, in addition to noting that written comments are acceptable. Karr asked Members if they would like either hard copies or electronic copies of the questions for these sessions. Roberts stated that while at City High, Members should let students know that there will be a similar gathering that same evening at The Spot. Coulter stated that he would like to have some hard copies of the finalized questions to have available at gatherings. Karr stated that she can provide copies as needed. Bakhit asked if there is a way to have these questions translated. Karr responded that this could be done, but that the answers would need to be translated back to English, as well. Bakhit stated that he could do this. Roberts asked if other Members would like to share cell phone numbers so that they have a way to get in touch with each other, should something happen at the last minute. Coulter agreed with this idea, stating that it would enable the groups to get in touch instantly. Massey then stated that she does have a conflict with the West High gathering. Roberts suggested that Members give their information to Karr who will create a `phone tree' for the Members and distribute electronically. Roberts asked about the publicity release. Karr noted that she will be sending another press release. The discussion then turned to the questions, broken out into law enforcement and transportation for both the public settings and the school settings. Starting with the school questions, Roberts asked if anyone had any revisions. Members agreed that these questions are a good place to work from. Switching to the public version, Townsend noted that they should ask people where they believe a good gathering spot would be to discuss these issues. Roberts asked if others think there is some obvious public input that they've missed thus far. Townsend responded that he believes what they are planning to do — meet with smaller groups — is an excellent way for gathering information. Coulter spoke about the collection of information from these sessions and how this will help them form their recommendation to the Council. Coulter also stated that the group could draft their recommendations first, send the draft to all of the participants, giving them the opportunity to provide additional input or clarification. He added that they would then be able to tell the Council that these recommendations had been vetted with the constituencies represented. Roberts asked Karr what her opinion is on this idea. Karr noted that they could certainly do the draft recommendations, and as the group noted early on, have another public forum centered on the recommendations. She explained the difficulties they might encounter if they attempt to mail this draft to all of the participants, not having full names or addresses, for example. Coulter agreed that this would be a good way to vet the recommendations before they are finalized. Townsend asked for clarification on just what type of information they would be seeking in this second public forum. Karr referred to Coulter's earlier comments, wanting to meet again with the public to make sure the information in the recommendations was heard correctly, and to let the public know that their concerns are being addressed. The conversation continued, with Members discussing how they want to handle their `final' recommendations. Roberts asked if Members had any final changes they would like to make at this point. ac Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, January 3, 2013 Page 3 Coulter brought up the topic of note taking at these sessions and a brief meeting after each session by those Members present so they can make sure they've captured the input correctly. Roberts asked if he wants a prepared, typed report from these sessions. Coulter stated that it doesn't need to be anything formal, just a brief meeting to go over notes and see if they heard things the same way. Karr reminded Members that in the public settings, they will need to determine when they want to end the session. She gave them some suggestions on how they might handle this. Vanden Berg suggested where Members should meet at both City and West Highs as they have a limited time there. TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE: Roberts asked Karr for clarification on the upcoming meeting schedule. January 28 is a possible conflict for staff due to a possible Council meeting, but she will know more after this week's budget meetings. For now the schedule will stay as January 14, 24 and 28; and February 4, as noted on the agenda. Vanden Berg noted that she will not be available for the meeting on the 24. GENERAL BOARD DISCUSSION: Coulter suggested they have a brief discussion on the Justice Center. He asked to what extent others believe it might play into their recommendations for Council. Townsend stated that he sees it as something separate, that the voters decide on the Justice Center, not a Council- appointed committee. Coulter added that some of the same issues this committee is dealing with are some of the same issues surrounding the Justice Center. Dulek interrupted at this point, noting that this is not on the agenda this evening. She suggested that if Members want to discuss this, they should add it to the next meeting's agenda. Townsend asked if others believe this topic warrants further discussion. Members briefly looked at this, and agreed that it really has nothing to do directly with their charge from the Council. Bakhit stated that they should just listen to what they hear on these other topics that they do not need to reply to the public on them. Karr will add "Public Concerns" issues to the final recommendations. Roberts suggested the possibility of an ongoing Diversity Committee, and Massey noted the Implementation Committee that was suggested previously. This led to a brief discussion of some of the City Boards & Commissions already in place and how a diversity committee might play into this. PUBLIC INPUT: Raquel Baker asked if meetings are typically held at 4:00 P.M. Karr stated that they usually are, unless otherwise noted. Baker stated that she may be writing an article for The Little Village. ADJOURNMENT: Botchway moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 P.M. Balihit seconded the motion. The motion carried 7 -0. zOOX7. �m 11 11 ro Z>a- . o N w N CD m m m ¢ 3 0 6 (D N Q sm � 0 ww 0 a y C� �® �7 p w�p G m as O O O O O O O '�- W W W W W W W x X x X X X 0 ZI /6Z/80 2� x x x x x x X ZI /0I /60 X X X x x x ZI /LI /60 X x X X X X x z Z I /bZ /60 X x x X x X X ZI /8/01 x X x X X X x x ZI /S[ /Ol X x x � X X X 4 ZT /ZZ /OT X X X � x � x R ZT /6Z /0I 0 x x X X X X � ZI /£I /TI � x x X X X X R ZI /S[/[T x X X 0 X X x Z1/6I /II X X X X X X Z 0 ZI /£ /Z[ X X X 0 x X ZI /0I /Zl x x x X O x x � ZI /L[ /ZI x X x x x x x x £I/£0/IO £I /bl /TO £INZ /[0 Cl/ MO £I /b0 /ZO D D °' I_ 0 m 0 Z N 0 -° D� N Z N n — o m.z W m o 03 O 03 CD co a a 0 n b N A g0 9 SD SD G N O W b uo (D !p PROPOSED LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS (page 1 of 2) 01 -03 -13 Police Citizens Review Board Education (Process, Procedure, Authority /power) Option for PCRB member to participate in complainant interview with Police City Manager participation in officer interview Human Right Coordinator involvement at the front end of a complaint; advocacy role Provide exit survey to the complaint Police Civil Service Recruitment Education State & federal regulations Barriers to testing Police Education (Process, Procedure, Authority /power) Develop "Community Policing" Program Improve Community Relations Amoral evaluation of police performance re diversity issues; public report Transportation Explore flexibility re Sunday Service Involve Kirkwood in discussion re direct service routes for students Communications Better use of neighborhood associations to educate and inform Orientation of new residents Improve education of issues with School District Statement on website re City's concern for diversity /working to promote and collaborate cultural communities Im PROPOSED LIST OF RP COMMENDATIONS (page 2 of 2) 01 -03 -13 Pending Recommendations to Council from Human Rights Commission: 1. The Human Rights Commission recommends to the Iowa City City Council that a committee be established to review the Police Citizen Review Board. That committee can be compromised of city staff, councilors or community members, but must contain at least one human rights commissioner. The review board would investigate the strengths and challenges of the current Police Citizen Review Board model and consider whether it is the right model for the city. In reviewing the strengths and the challenges of the current Police Citizen Review Board, the review committee would determine whether the current structure best serves the city. (March 20, 2012) Pending Recommendations to Council front Police Citizens Review Board. 1. To change the name to Citizens Police Review Board. (June 12, 2012) 2. To remove the language regarding Formal Mediation within the City Code and from the Standard Operating Procedures. (June 12, 2012) 3. To offer as an option, the ability for a Board member to accompany the complainant during the police investigation interview process for a PCRB complaint, at the complainant's request. (June 12, 2012) 4. Recommendation to change the Board's 45 -day reporting period to 90 -days. (October 9, 2012) Public Concerns 1. Continuation of Diversity issues / discussion/ Committee 2. Oversight and implementation of recommendations i.ii; I I!NT An ni ut, d Shop YOii M A Crop h dps c romi c hi fldirgi n 9:34 PM, Dec 16, 2012 Comments North Liberty police officer Juan Santiago went shopping with underprivileged kids Sunday at Walmart. Written by Tara Bannow Iowa City Press - Citizen Iowa City police officer Jorey Bailey and other officers participated in the Shop With A Cop program Sunday at Walmart in Iowa City. The Iowa City Police Association provides funding for the program each year. / Benjamin Roberts! Iowa City Press - Citizen photos sop g. Fishing a toy police car with a sporty design out of his shopping cart, 8- year -old Joshua Seals gleamed, showing off the Christmas gift he'd picked out for himself. Pushing a button on the car that activated a siren, Seals' shopping partner, Iowa City police officer Becki Sammons laughed. "I wish I had a police car like that," she said. "That would be awesome." The pair was one of 15 pushing their carts Sunday around Walmart in Iowa City for the Shop With A Cop program, in which Iowa City police officers take underprivileged children shopping to buy Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. The Iowa City Police Association provides funding for the program each year. "It's really fun because the kids have more fun picking out things for other people than they do themselves," Sammons said, "which is kind of amazing." The kids that participated this year were referred to the Iowa City Police Department by local agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Department of Human Services, said Officer Jorey Bailey, as he escorted his own mini - shopper around. Each kid gets to spend between $100 and $200 on the gifts, he said. Their parents send along a list of items on family members' wish lists, including their clothing sizes. Each year, between 15 to 20 kids participate in Shop With A Cop, which has been going on for nearly two decades, Bailey said. The officers try to steer kids toward necessities like warm clothes and away from toy guns and video game systems, Bailey said. Toys, however, are obvious picks when the kids choose gifts for themselves. Bailey gave the OK for a wrestling game for his shopping partner and then tried to help him pick out a gift for his sister. "Let's make sure we get one thing for everybody in the family," Bailey told the 11- year -old boy, whose name could not be used without parental permission, as he pushed the cart down the aisles. Bailey said sometimes shoppers approach him and ask why there are so many cops strolling through Walmart. When they find out, people are supportive, he said. "Anything like this throughout the holidays is always well received," he said. "We're happy to do it." IM For many of the kids, it's their first experience going shopping and picking out gifts for people, Sammons said. Seals' cart had a set of bath salts and lotions for his mom, a watch for his dad, toothbrushes and new pairs of shoes and boots for Seals, whose shoes had become a bit too small for his feet. "It's really fun," she said. "We love being able to do this every year." Reach Tara Bannow at tbannow @press - citizen.com or 887 -5418. V/D GW New program investing in youth I Iowa City Press Citizen I press- citizen.com Pagel of 3 New program investing in youth Written ritten by Josh O'Leary Iowa City Press - Citizen Dec. 27 press- citizen.com Rhaiden Batie, 8, back left, and Joshua Thomas, 8, smile as they switch seats in Officer Jorey Bailey's police car on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012. The group of children took the ride as an award for receiving good grades in school. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press- Citizen Zoom Iowa City Police officer Michael Smithey talks to a group of children before their ride around town in a police car Dec. 19. h David Scrivner / Iowa City Press- Citizen in Officer Jorey Bailey's police car on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012. The group ofehildren took the ride (is aoervardforreceivioggoodgradesinSchool. Strive For Success David Scrivner / Iowa City Press - Citizen Iowa City Police officer dliehtael Smithey talks to a group of children before their ride around lon•n in a police car Dec. 19. year when he cut them a deal. • What: A new after- school program currently based in the lowa City Police Department substation at Pepperwood Plaza dedicated to helping at -risk grade- school students succeed in school, life and society. • More information: Contact executive director Caleb Thomas at 321 -0381 or success fulyouth@live.com. live.com. Officer Mike Smithey was chatting with the kids in an after - school program at the Iowa City Police Department's southeast -side substation earlier this "There was a comment thrown out about riding in a squad car," said Smithey, who patrols the area and is an alumnus of nearby Grant Wood Elementary School. "Many of them know my mother, who works at Grant Wood, so I told them, `Tell you what, you get a letter from your teacher or mentor saying you've done your work and done a great job, I'll take you on a little ride - along. "' Smithey made good on his promise last week, picking the grade - school students up in his police cruiser — a reward for the academic strides they've made as members of the new Strive for Success program. "If we were good, we all would get to ride," said 11- year -old Denaro Smith, a Grant Wood student who was among the Strive for Success members excited to take a trip around the block with Smithey. am''qw http: / /www. press - citizen. com / article /20121228/NEWSOI/3122l003l New- program- inve... 12/28/2012 New program investing in youth I Iowa City Press Citizen I press- citizen.com Page 2 of 3 Caleb Thomas worked for eight years as a guidance councilor at Grant Wood before founding Strive for Success in October. Since then, he has been leading daily after - school sessions with nine third - through sixth - graders in the police substation's community space. The nonprofit program is geared toward at -risk children who are behind one to two grade levels in reading and math, with the goal of helping them achieve academic, personal and social success, as well as strengthen their family units, Thomas said. "Over the last eight years I saw so many students who weren't reading on grade level, and as they got older, they continued to get in trouble," Thomas said. "Some ended up in juvenile detention centers, and the older they got, some ended up dropping out of school or could barely graduate. From the elementary school level, seeing that kid with great dreams and big ambitions, to see that die down, was heartbreaking." The program's first hour each afternoon is devoted to school work, and the second half is set aside for enrichment activities. Students have been hard at work on a series of Lego robotics projects, which are spread out on an activity table inside the substation, and twice a week, volunteers from an outreach group called the Iowa Youth Writing Project visit to work with the children. Denaro said one of his favorite activities this school year was creating a superhero with Iowa Youth Writing Project volunteers. And the name of Denaro's superhero? "Volcano- man," he said. "He's a man in a volcano." Thomas is working to secure more funding and donations for the program to accommodate more kids, eventually moving to a larger facility and purchasing a vehicle for field trips and community service outings. "We're continuing to strive to help these youth to reach their dreams and goals, but we need people to invest, because when they invest in this program, they're investing in these youth," said Thomas, summing up his fundraising pitch. Jorey Bailey, who works out of the southeast -side substation as ICPD's crime prevention officer, said allowing Strive for Success to use the facility's community space was a no- brainer because the Police Department and youth program have similar goals. "The kids are working hard toward their goals to be better members of the community, and especially when they're grown up to be good members of the community," Bailey said. "That's what we want, and that's what Strive for Success is shooting for." For Officer Smithey, the ride- alongs provided a rare opportunity to get to know kids in a positive setting. "We don't get a lot of opportunities to have a really positive interaction with a lot of people in our community," Smithey told the kids. "We get called because something has happened —you may be a victim, but something bad has happened.... I'm just thrilled to death I get to take you on a ride -along like this." Reach Josh O'Leary at 887 -5415 or joleary @press- eitizen.conr. ® / littp: //Nvww. press- citizen.com /article /20121228/NE W SO 1 /31221003 I /New- program - inve... 12/28/2012 A VII kv Notes from City High Student Group January 10, 2013 10:30 am- 11:15 am Facilitators: LaTasha Massey and Joan Vanden Berg Participants: 7 minority male and female participants (African- American) Law Enforcement: Have you had the opportunity to interact with the Iowa City Police Department and /or police officers at neighborhood events? Please share negative and positive experiences. • "Jorey Bailey knows us and will talk with us" • "There is another officer who is short and wears glasses, he looks evil but he is really nice and remembers our names." • "Officer Bailey is the only officer that I trust." • "Some officers will speak to us, others just look at you." • "Officer Smithey is rude." • "Officers are sometimes too hard on us, assume that we're bad people." • "Officers accuse kids of things and they don't know the whole story." • "I get along with all of the officers really well." • Youth discussed reaction to police : youth who are minorities have harsher consequences • One youth reported witnessing a crime but was not associated with the individuals but because of race the youth was rounded up as a participant. When the other youth were asked if they knew him it confirmed that he was a victim of mistaken "racial identity" • 3 students reported that their home had been raided. Comments about that included: "It was embarrassing." "They toss all of your stuff around and it's a big mess to clean up." One student said that the police mistakenly went to their home, rather than her neighbor's. She thinks that the other neighbors don't look at her mom in the same way anymore. • Students felt that they shouldn't get into trouble for defending themselves. • One student wanted to know why the PD took away the stickers • Students discussed that Police should be aware that people are raised differently • They feel that Black youth have trumped up charges or they "over charge" • Youth feel they get labeled because of who they know and /or hang out with or that the police believe that its "guilt by association" If you were the Police Chief, what effects would you undertake to improve police relations within minority communities? • More African - American Officers -- especially officers who have had similar life experiences, (i.e. living in larger cities, who remember the struggle of living in those locations) • More Latino officers • More female officers • "More meetings like this. It's okay that you're taking notes and all, but I want to talk directly to the police officers. "The police need to hear our stories and we need to work together." • Students agreed to serve in a leadership role to help make this happen. Have you heard of the Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB)? If yes, please explain. • One of the seven students had heard of the PCRB. (Cl 11 IfIJ-) *(Off script) What do you think about /raving police officers at City High. If it was an officer like Jorey Bailey it would be okay. If it was one of the mean officers it would be terrible. Transportation: Do you use City transportation? • All 7 participants have used public transportation Do the City bus routes work for you? Do they go where you need to go? How well does the schedule work for you? • The routes take too long • Buses are too close together, 3 different buses stop near Plaen View within 15 minutes of each other, would be more helpful if they were more spread out • Routes need to run until I 1 or 12 • Saturday routes need to run later • Need Sunday service • When asked if the East -side Loop was working, students responded that most kids want to go downtown. • Youth complain that they would like to work on Sundays but with no transportation that they would not be able to and they don't want their jobs to become a burden or mother or other family members when they have other responsibilities What issues challenge the relationship between transportation and the City's minority communities? What is working well? What needs to be improved? • Bongo doesn't work, buses are late sometimes • Driver / passenger interactions: some drivers are cool and know that teenagers are loud; A passenger on the Lakeside route was disrespectful -- said "you kids have no training," the student reacted to that comment and the driver kicked her off the bus. Drivers pay favorites- - they stop the bus for older person, but not for teens. • One student said the bus was loud and uncomfortable and he'd never take the bus downtown again. • Another student said she felt bad for an elderly lady who was waiting for bus downtown when a fight broke out, stating she could tell that she was really scared. She called the police. • Downtown is where kids meet up to fight, because they know they'll get into trouble if they fight at City High. • Transfers need to be longer. The youth discussed incidences where if someone needed to be removed from the bus the bus would wait for the police however when youth would arrive downtown their transfer to their next bus would have expired and the next driver would not let them on the bus and they would have to pay more or not have a ride. This happened especially from one city bus service to a different city bus service. • Discussion about fare: students wanted to know why the fare went up, another student responded that it was because of the landfill fire and the economy is messed up. When asked if they would pay more for Saturday or Sunday service, a student responded that she's having trouble getting the fare now, and has missed school when she didn't have enough fare. • Youth did mention that they would be willing to pay more for Sunday bus service because of it would open up an opportunity for them to work. • Youth also mentioned that some of the staff understood that they are teenagers while other drivers tried to be enforcers of all rules. • They believe that the drivers had favoritism towards some populations than others. For ex. If one youth was running after the bus they wouldn't stop but if it's the elderly then they will stop for them to catch. • Youth mentioned that their needs better training on how to use the Code on the sign because it doesn't work What can the City do to improve transportation within minority communities? • More direct routes • Flexibility among drivers • Sunday service • Later service on Saturday Notes from West High Student Group, January 9, 2014 11 :00 am -12:15 pm Facilitators: Kingsley Botchway and Joan Vanden Berg Participants: 11 minority male and female participants (African - American) Law Enforcement: Have you had the opportunity to interact with the Iowa City Police Department and/or police officers at neighborhood events? Please share negative and positive experiences. • A student gave an example of how helpful an officer was when she lost her wallet; • Students reported positive interactions at community events - -i.e. at Wetherby when officers played with kids and interacted with people in the neighborhood; • Students responded that they thought Officer (Jorey) Bailey was good, one commented that he needed to get out of his office more. • A student sited an example when a student was tasered • A student reported that an officer hit a kid with his car (but the kid wasn't hurt.) • One student commented that some officers are friendly- they wave and say "hi ", other officers look at you like you are going to do something bad. • Another student responded that he had never had a problem with the police -- he treats them with respect and they treat him with respect. Another student responded with "sometimes!" and went on to tell a story of how an officer used unnecessary force with a student after a party had been shut down. The student wasn't doing anything and the police officer got rough, and wrestled the student to the ground. • Another student recalled an incident with Officer Smithey, he asked her name, which she provided and then he commented that he "knew her dad, her mom, her whole family" in a tone that made her feel judged that her whole family was a problem. • Students report that they sometimes feel picked on at Old Capitol Mall- -they ask for your name, but it's a problem the ivay that they ask it. • A student observed that officers make you feel like they coming at you -- that you're guilty right then and there. They have a "snotty attitude" like "I'm in charge and they think that everyone is doing bad stuff." Officers aren't giving respect. (Culturally respect is a huge issue in the black community. If you don't have respect for someone it can be seen as threatening) If you were the Police Chief, what effects would you undertake to improve police relations within minority communities? • Not to be on a power trip • Plan events in the neighborhoods -- like basketball, barbeques • See the good in kids • Police officers have more interaction with the community -- more of idea of who they are • Advice and explain what they're rights are • It's their job to protect, show us that they're cool and helpful. o Example of seeing a child by themselves and giving them a ride home • Knowing the officers who work your particular beat (not to become friends but if you know them and they know you there can be a mutual respect reached) Have you heard of the Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB)? If yes, please explain. • No one had heard of the PCRB. Comments were "really ?!" "We have that ? ?" *Off - script -- What would they think about having Police Officers at West High? It would help reduce the fights. When I got into a fight, the school didn't call the police, but when my older sister got into a fight they did call the police. The school doesn't call law enforcement now, kids know that, suspensions are not a big deal. i�' Transportatlrin: / Do you use City transportation? • All of the 11 participants use public transportation regularly Do the City bus routes work for you? Do they go where you need to go? How well does the schedule work for you? • Like it when the busses run every 30 minutes, Route from Coralville to West is long and annoying Needs to run later on Saturday and need routes on Sunday. When asked how they get to work on Sunday they answered they walk, take a cab or ask not to be scheduled on Sunday which limits how much money they can earn. What issues challenge the relationship between transportation and the City's minority communities? What is working well? What needs to be improved? • Bongo isn't precise, another student disagreed that it worked for her • Busses sometimes run late, makes students late for school, which is an unexcused tardy • If there are going to be changes in a route (i.e. because of construction or because of an event like the Homecoming Parade), those changes should be communicated / posted earlier in the week • Driver / passenger interactions: 1) An issue between a passenger not having fare and a bus driver held up the entire bus, everyone was late for school / work -- could that dispute been handled later? 2) Another student offered a positive example of a similar issue -- a driver allowed children with an older sibling on the bus for without enough fare, with a reminder to have enough money next time. 3) Bus drivers see you coming, but they don't wait for you, students observed this was true no matter what the color (of the passenger.) 4) Students agreed that some drivers were "cool" and knew about how teenagers act, some drivers had an "attitude." • Transfers need to be longer • Some bus confusion over Coralville and Iowa City passes • Discussion about fare: Chicago is $2.50 / ride, but buses run frequently, and 24 hours a day -- When asked if they would be willing to pay more they agreed yes, as right now they sometimes have to get a cab to get to work, which costs more. • One student comment added that the fare had already gone up because of the fights downtown What can the City do to improve transportation within minority communities? • Buses should be on time • Sunday service • Later service • More direct routes Iowa City Ad hoc Committee on Diversity Joe. D. Coulter 1/14/2013 Notes: Public Information Gathering Session: Hy -Vee Waterfront, 6:00 p.m., January 9, 2013 Attendees *: Cindy Roberts(CR) Joe D. Coulter (1C) Cary Norton (CN) Pat Swayze (PS) Frank Rios (FR) Laura Rios (LR) Albert Reyes (AR) Ad hoc Diversity Committee Ad hoc Diversity Committee Community, criminal justice Community, graduate student Community, east side Community, east side Community, academic, community service _ Iowa City Press Citizen, Reporter Stephanie Bowers (SB) Iowa City Commission on Human Rights, coordinator Jessie Harper (1H) Iowa City Commission on Human Rights, member Janet Lyness (JL) Johnson County Attorney Meeting: An opening statement (attached) was made (JC) and all attendees encouraged to participate and to provide the Ad hoc Diversity Committee (Committee) with any oral or written information in regard to Transportation and Law Enforcement (attached forms). Each attendee introduced themselves. FR expressed concerns about the City bus system and the lack of response by the City and School District to complaints about young riders' use of bad language and disruptive behavior on City buses. Noted lack of "assimilation" by young people to cultures /customs of Iowa City. LR spoke of concerns about the Iowa City transit system, in particular about "kids" not paying fares, use of bad language, inappropriate behavior. Fears riding the buses, feels bullied, has concerns about lack of bus drivers responses to incidents /complaints. Rides Court Hill route. Questions use of video cameras on buses, and how they are used. CN suggests need to look at and review video tapes from buses. FR says that schools have responsibility for City buses carrying school children. Who is accountable? City? Schools? AR observes cursing by riders on buses on the Broadway route and that bus drivers do stop the bus to deal with incidents. PS raises issues around the Old Capital Mall, north entrance - bus hub and people gathering. Concerns about treatment of African American children, and mistreatment of African Americans by Mall security. Feels these conflicts are breeding further concerns, making things worse. AR uses BONGO (http: / /www.ebongo.orgl GPS- based, real -time passenger information system) and says that the Lakeside bus doesn't work on BONGO, a considerable inconvenience. CN again recommends that video tapes from buses be reviewed to better understand problems /issues and determine solutions. *Names, affiliations may be misspelled /incorrect. 1. n�a) LR regarding the Old Capital Mall, north entrance - bus hub, cites the need for more seating inside the Mall and space outside the Mall for waiting bus passengers. SAM'S CABOOSE outdoor seating and tables seem to be taking up space and is little utilized. All bus stops need improved maintenance and trash removal. AR agrees with the need to have trash removal and better maintenance around bus stops. The area around Shelter House needs further attention and programs to control litter. CR asked whether there were issues connected with law enforcement and whether people understand the roles /functions of the Iowa City Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB) and the Human Rights Commission. SB briefly reviewed the Iowa City PCRB and the Human Rights Commission. LR expressed positive support for the Iowa City Police Department and their performance. FR has great respect for the Iowa City Police Department, and feels that many "kids" lack respect. He related an incident at Old Capital Mall involving Mall Security. AR works with Iowa City Mexican /Latino community members who feel that the community is afraid of law enforcement and lack understanding of the legal system. There is a need for better communication and understanding. The meeting was adjourned —7:00 p.m 2. OPENING STATEMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION GATHERING SESSION HY -VEE WATERFRONT JANUARY 9, 2013 I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR COMING TO THE IOWA CITY AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE INFORMATION GATHERING SESSION. MY NAME IS AND I AV MEMBE OFE COMMITTEE. MY COLLEAGE(S) IS (ARE)4.1,V2 � if llib ( AND ) WHO IS (ARE) ALSO A MEMBER(S (OF THE COMMITTEE. THE CITY COUNCIL CHARGED THE COMMITTEE TO 1) STUDY THE OPERATION OF THE CITY'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM INCLUDING THE DOWNTOWN INTECHANGE AS IT RELATES TO MINORITY POPULATIONS AND 2) STUDY THE OPERATION OF THE CITY LAW ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING THE POLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD (PCRB) AS IT RELATES TO MINORITY POPULATIONS. THIS IS AN INFORMATION GATHER SESSION TO ENABLE ISSUES TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE. FORMS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE WRITTEN INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE. ONE FORM CONCERNS TRANSPORTATION ISSUES, THE OTHER FORM, LAW ENFORCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE IS IMPORTANT TO US AND WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE COMMITTEE DURING OUR FUTURE MEETINGS. Joe D. Coulter. 1/9/2013 Name Address On June 19, 2012 the City Council created an Ad Hoc Diversity Committee; 1) to study the operation of the City's transit system, including but not limited to the downtown interchange as it relates to minority populations and 2) to study the operations of the City law enforcement, including but not limited to the Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB) as it relates to minorityations. Your input is important to us.s Transportation; Do you use City transportation? Do the City bus routes work for you? Do they go where you schedule work for you? 7 What issues challenge the relationship between What is working well? What needs to b��c In your experience what has wgrk st to and City transportation serviees? W What other and transno Wh and thetitv'sminority communities? between minority populations improve minority communities relations to imrove transportation within minority communities? P1,5 Name Address On June 19, 2012 the City Council created an Ad Hoc Diversity Committee: 1) to study the operation of the City's transit system, including but not limited to the downtown interchange as it relates to minority populations and 2) to study the operations of the City law enforcement, including but not limited to the Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB) as it relates to minority populations. Your input is important to us. I, Law Enforcement: Have you had the opportunity to interact with the Iowa at neighborhood events? Please share negative and posi What issues challenge the relationship between If you were the Police Chief, minority communities? e. Have you officers communities? police relations within (PCRB)? If yes, please explain. In your ex hat has worked best to strengthen the relationship between minority populations and the colic v? What other recommendations would you make that would improve minority communities relations with the police?