HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-22-2004 Charter Review CommissionCHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
-..-
'R44 Agendafor11 -1
CR45 Minutes of October 26
CR46 Minutes of October 27
CR47 Memorandum from City Attorney and City Clerk re Pending Issues
CR48 Community Process Letter - DRAFT
CR49 Community Process Letter - NOVICK DRAFT
CR50 Memorandum from City Clerk regarding distribution of community process letter (attached list)
November 8 & November 9, 2004 PACKET
CR51 Agenda for 11 -8 & 11 -9
CR52 Minutes of November 1
CR53 Community Process Letter —DRAFT 11 -08 -04
CR54 Memorandum from City Attorney re 11 -3 -04 Red -Lined Charter
Jovember 16, 2004 PACKET
CR55 Agenda for 11 -16
CR56 Minutes of November 8
CR57 Memorandum from City Clerk re community process letter
November 22 2004 PACKET
CR58 Agendafor11 -22
CR59 Minutes of November 16
CR60 Posters on City buses (42) and Cambus (36)
CR61 Handouts (250)
CR62 Press Release
CR63 Guest Editorial /Letter to the Editor
CR64 City Website
"R65 Facilitator information
CR66 Gazette Article
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, November 22, 2004
8:00 -9:30 PM /I`11k
City Hall, Harvat Hall
410 East Washington Street
1. Approve Minutes
2. Public Comment
3. December 1 Community Process Session
A. Update Publicity
1) Posters on City buses (42) and Cambus (36)
2) Handouts (250)'
City Hall & Public Library Information desks
Senior Center
Parks & Recreation
3) Press Release "
4) Guest Editorial /Letter to the Editor
Press Citizen (Sueppel)
Daily Iowan (Green)
Gazette (Novick)
5) City Website
6) Cable television
7) Radio programs
WSUI (Kubby)
KXIC (Lei s g)Ve44rr -Gr%
B. Facilitator information
Meeting Schedule
December 1 (Community Discussion session; 5:30 PM; Library)
December 8 (7:00 -9:00 AM; Harvat Hall)
December 13 (7:00 -9:30 AM; Harvat Hall)
January 20 (7:00 PM; Harvat Hall; televised)
5. Review Charter
Old Business /
Adjournment (9:300)
" Done 11/18
i4 8
MINUTES
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1G, 2004 — 3:00 PM
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
C R59
DRAFT
Members Present: Kevin Werner, Andy Chappell, Karen Kubby, Penny Davidson (on
speakerphone), Nate Green, Naomi Novick, William Sueppel, Chair; and Vicki Lensing
(arrived at 3:07 PM); Lynn Rowat (arrived at 3:10 PM)
Staff Present: Marian Karr, Eleanor Dilkes
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sueppel called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.
APPROVE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 8,200
Davidson noted that on page 4, under "Old Business," at the end of the first paragraph,
she would like to add something to the effect of, "Hereatler she will be contacted via
telephone conference." The members agreed. Novick noted that on page 2, under
"Direct Mail ", 5`1' line down, the "is" after Doser needs to be eliminated; 7 "' line down,
"manger" should be "manager"; and under "Publicity ", 3`d line, "handouts" should be
"posters." The members agreed with these corrections, as well.
MOTION: Novick moved to accept the minutes of November 8, 2004, as amended
above; seconded by Chappell. Motion carried 8 -0 (Rowat absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sueppel asked if everyone had received the letter from Jay Honohan, via email. Some
members had not; Karr made copies for the members. Sueppel noted that Davidson
would need to have copies mailed to her.
MOTION: Kubby moved to accept the correspondence from Jay Honohan of the
Senior Center; seconded by Green. Motion carried 9 -0.
DECEMBER 1 COMMUNITY PROCESS SESSION
Publicity — Sueppel stated he would go through the list to see what the status of each
item is. Posters on City buses — Karr noted they are working on this at the present time.
Handouts at City Hall and Public Library Information desks — Karr stated these
would be available tomorrow (Wednesday, 11/17/04). Davidson asked if Karr would
mail her this information, as well. Press Release — Karr noted that this would be
prepared once they have all the material needed. Guest Editorial — members discussed
the draft they received on this. Kubby noted that she has one suggestion. In the 3`d
paragraph, where it talks about district candidates and the primary, she would like this to
be more explicit. Her suggestion is: (insert the following words) Voted on by district
voters (in the first sentence); Our district candidates are winnowed down to two per
district at a primary election, voted on by district voters, if more than two seek a specific
district seat. She also noted that perhaps the tern "city election" could be changed to
"general election." Karr clarified the change: "regular" will be inserted before "City
Charter Review Commission
November 16, 2004
Page 2
election" in line 3 and line 4 of the 3`d paragraph. Kubby stated that by adding
"November election" it would be even more clear for people. Karr asked if they wanted
"primary" to also have "October." The members agreed to these changes. Kubby also
suggested adding a final line that would really grab people's attention. She suggested:
It's your charter. Let your voice be heard. Members discussed this, and questioned voice
versus voices. They decided to go with the plural. Sueppel noted that the Daily Iowan
would not be publishing during the entire week of Thanksgiving, so they need to keep
this in mind when meeting deadlines. He also noted that they needed to decide which
newspaper they would publish the guest editorial in, either the Gazette or the Press -
Citizen. It was decided to publish in the Press - Citizen for the Sunday issue; and the
Daily Iowan's Monday the 29d' issue. Novick stated that a couple of the members could
submit letters to the editor to the other newspapers. It was decided that Novick would
send a letter to the Gazette; and Green will take the Daily Iowan. They will use the
above - mentioned guest editorial as their basis. Davidsen asked to have copies of these
items, as well, and Karr will make sure she has copies of all the documents mentioned. It
was noted that a picture needs to be taken of Sueppel, and Karr stated she would have the
City photographer take this picture on Thursday, as Sueppel will be in his office. City
Website — Karr noted that this has been updated with the latest redlined version of the
Charter, and the December 1 letter and notice. Radio programs — Kubby reported that
WSUI's Iowa Talks is now statewide, versus regional, so this piece would not work here.
However, Kubby noted they would like to do a 5- minute news piece and a longer
weekend item with a studio interview. Kubby noted that this interview can be done at
any time, and then it will be aired on a particular weekend. She just needs to contact
WSUI and finalize the plans. Kubby will work on this. Lensing stated that she would
work with Kubby on this, and they will report back to the members. Kubby noted that
their message will be based on the guest editorial. Lensing stated that she is to contact
Brent about this at KXIC, but that the interview will be basically the same as the radio
station, in that the interview can be done either live, or tape beforehand. She needs to
contact him for further clarification. Werner stated that he would do the KXIC interview,
and Rowat also volunteered to work with him. Werner stated he would contact Brent to
set this up. They will let Karr know once these interviews are arranged so information
can be shared with the Commission. Cable television — Karr noted that a decision has not
been made on this yet.
Facilitator information — Karr reported that the December I public session, being held
at the Public Library, will be in Meeting Room A, which is large, and several smaller
rooms around it, where they can have their smaller group sessions. She asked the
members if they wanted a typed sheet with consistent information for each
facilitator /scribe and their group. The members discussed this briefly, and Kubby stated
she would work on coming up with a 1 -page sheet for the facilitators to use. Karr noted
that if Kubby wants to get this in the packet for the next Charter Review meeting, then it
will need to be done by Thursday morning. Kubby noted that she may not have it done
by then, but will have it ready for the next meeting, which is November 22. Kubby's
draft will be reviewed at the next meeting. Novick noted that she does have to leave at
7:30 PM from the December 1 public session, and wanted to remind the members of this.
Charter Review Commission
November 16, 2004
Page 3
(TAPE ENDS)
MEETING SCHEDULE
Lensing asked what the agenda was going to be at the November 22 "a meeting. Sueppel
stated it would be an update on the publicity, and a review of the facilitator sheet that
Kubby will be preparing. Discussion began on reducing the length of this next meeting
as most issues have been cleared up. It was decided to start the meeting at 8:00 AM,
instead of 7:00 AM.
A brief discussion ensued, regarding the public session on December 1. It was decided
that they would have the participants count off to form groups, and to have the same
facilitator /scribe discuss all issues with their group, instead of changing groups. It was
decided by the group to see how many people show up for the public session, before they
make any specific recommendations on how the meeting and group discussions should be
run.
ADJOURNMENT
Kubby motioned to adjourn the meeting at 4:00 PM; seconded by Chappell. Motion
carried 9 -0.
City Buses
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IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
ROOM A
QUESTIONS:
citycharter @iowa- city.org
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Cambus
5:30 PM
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
ROOM A (Accessible to people with special needs.)
QUESTIONS:
citycharter @iowa- city.org
11-4
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Community Discussion:
Possible amendments to
Iowa City's Charter
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
5:30 P.M.
Iowa City Public Library — Room A
123 S. Linn Street
C R61
The Iowa City Charter Review Commission has been appointed by the
City Council to review the Iowa City Charter. Pursuant to the existing
Charter, any amendments recommended by the Commission must either
be adopted by the City Council or placed on a ballot for consideration by
Iowa City voters.
The issues to be discussed by the community on December 1 include:
(1) Election of Mayor - The Mayor is currently selected for a two -
year term by a majority vote of the City Council members. The
Mayor is the figurative head and a voting member of the City
Council and has the responsibility to lead Council meetings.
Assuming the Mayor's powers and responsibilities remain the
same, should the Mayor instead be selected for a four -year term by
a majority vote of the citizens? This would require one of the at-
large council positions to be designated as the Mayor's slot and
other possible administrative changes to the Charter.
(2) District Representation - Currently 3 of 7 Council Members are
nominated within their district and a primary is held in the district
if needed. The November city election has district Council
Members elected by voters citywide. Should the number of
districts be increased? Should the district Council Members be
"pure" i.e. general election held in the districts only?
The Charter Review Commission invites °czs -I
everyone to be a part of this public discussion.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
2004 -2005 CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
BOARD CONTACTS
William Sueppel, Chair
Meardon, Sueppel & Downer P.L.C.
122 S. Linn St 52240
(w) 338 -9222
e -mail: billfs(aDmeardonlaw.com
Andy Chappell
911 Rider St 52246
(w)339 -6100
(h) 354 -7073
e -mail: achappell a().iowabar.org
Penny Davidsen
13668 N. Lobelia Way Tuscon, AZ 85737
(h) 520- 825 -6949
e -mail: pkd317Paol.com
(or) omd618paol.com
Karen Kubby
7282 nd Ave 52245
(w) 337 -2112
(h) 338 -1321
e -mail: kubby(a.pobox.com
Naomi Novick
306 Mullin Ave 52246
(h) 337 -4649
Marian Karr, City Clerk
410 E Washington St 52240
(w) 356 -5041
e -mail: marian- karr(a)iowa -city org
As of 11108104
Vicki Lensing
2408 Mayfield Rd 52245
(w) 338 -8171
e -mail: vickilensino(aa)iuno.com
Kevin Werner
3020 Wayne Ave 52240
(w) 356 -5989
(h) 354 -5873
e -mail: kwerner(@isbt.com
Lynn Rowat
514 Stuart Ct 52245 -3531
(w) 351 -4121
(h) 351 -0661
e -mail: rowatle(@mchsi.com
Nate Green
231 Woodside Dr 52246
(h) 354 -1139
(c) 630 - 532 -9587
e -mail: nate- green(o)uiowa.edu
STAFF CONTACTS
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
410 E Washington St 52240
(w) 356 -5030
e -mail: eleanor- dilkes(a)iowa- city.org
ICGov.Org Email Release
Marian Karr
From: web @icgov.org
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:02 PM
To: marian - karr @iowa - city.org
Subject: ICGov.org Media Release : General City News
4ci uur Jink to �dtiy 87x11
Title : COMMENTS SOUGHT ON POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS OT IOWA CITY'S CHARTER
Release Date : Thursday, November 18, 2004
Release Time : 2:58:00 PM
Originating Department : City Clerk
Contact Person : Marian K. Karr
Contact Number : 356 -5041
The Iowa City Charter Review Commission has been appointed by the City Council to
review the Iowa City Charter. Pursuant to the existing Charter, any amendments
recommended by the Commission must either be adopted by the City Council or
placed on a ballot for consideration by Iowa City voters. A community discussion on
potential Charter amendments will be held December 1, 2004, 5:30 p.m., in Room A
of the Iowa City Public Library (123 S. Linn St.).
The issues to be discussed by the community on December 1 include:
(1) Election of Mayor - The Mayor is currently selected for a two -year term by a
majority vote of the City Council members. The Mayor is the figurative head and a
voting member of the City Council and has the responsibility to lead Council
meetings. Assuming the Mayor's powers and responsibilities remain the same, should
the Mayor instead be selected for a four -year term by a majority vote of the citizens?
This would require one of the at -large council positions to be designated as the
Mayor's slot and other possible administrative changes to the Charter.
(2) District Representation - Currently 3 of 7 Council Members are nominated within
their district and a primary is held in the district if needed. The November city
election has district Council Members elected by voters citywide. Should the number
of districts be increased? Should the district Council Members be "pure" Le, general
election held in the districts only?
The Charter Review Commission invites everyone to be a part of this public
discussion. Additional information can be found on the City website citycharter @iowa-
city.org
To subscribe and unsubscribe from ICGov email releases click here:
http : / /www.icgov.orq /subscribe.asp
Click here to go to the City Jobs page
11/18/2004
Page 1 of 2
MJ_
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE IOWA CITY CHARTER?
M
Our Mayor is currently chosen by the seven members of the council. Do
you want the Mayor to be elected directly by the citizens? Or do you prefer the
current method?
Our Council is currently comprised of 4 at -large members and 3 district
members. Do you want this to change to 3 at large and 4 by district? Or do you
prefer the current composition?
Our district candidates are winnowed down to 2 per district at the October
primary election if more than 2 seek a specific district seat. Only the voters in
that district select the final two candidates in the primary election. That district
member is chosen by the voters citywide in the regular November city election.
Do you want district members to be chosen only by district voters in the regular
November city election? Or do you prefer the current method?
Are there any other changes that you believe should be made to the City
Charter?
Here is your opportunity to speak out on these matters with your fellow
citizens and with the members of the Review Commission.
Come to the Iowa City Public Library, Room A, 123 S. Linn Street, at 5:30
p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2004. We want to discuss these issues with
you.
Historically, on November 15, 1973, the citizens of Iowa City approved a
Home Rule Charter creating a new form of city government. That charter
provided that a Charter Review Commission be established to review the charter
1
once every ten years and recommend any amendments that it deems fit. That
process was followed in 1984 -1985 and in 1994 -1995.
This past spring, the Iowa City Council appointed nine citizens to
commence the decennial review and update. An organization meeting was held
on May 19, 2004, and the Commission has met 15 times since then.
The existing charter provides that a recommendation by the Review
Commission must either (1) be adopted by the City Council; or (2) submitted by
the council to the Iowa City voters for their consideration.
While the nine members of the Review Commission are the ones who
make the recommendations, it is essential that these members hear from the
community.
The format of this community discussion will be informal and interactive.
Those attending will be divided into groups, which will discuss each of the issues
specifically set out above. At the conclusion of the group discussions, all
participants will gather to summarize the group discussions. Any additional
charter issues may be raised and discussed at that time.
The Review Commission hopes that this format will engender meaningful
discussion and benefit the review of the Charter.
This meeting is open to the public. The members of the Review
Commission hope you will attend and participate in this timely and important
discussion.
It's your Charter — let your voices be heard.
William F. Sueppel, Chair
Iowa City Charter Review Commission
2
City of Iowa City, Iowa - Official Web Site
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Page 1 of 2
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I city facts I council I documents
I city code I non-city links
III Good Morninq! Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 III
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION:
POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO IOWA CITY'S CHARTER
December 1, 2004; 5:30 PM
Iowa City Public Library, Room A
123 S. Linn Street
Public meeting open to all
The Iowa City Charter Review Commission has been appointed by the City Council to review the Iowa
City Charter. Pursuant to the existing Charter, any amendments recommended by the.Commission
must either be adopted by the City Council or placed on a ballot for consideration by Iowa City voters.
The Commission has been meeting regularly since May and has received public input through letters,
e- mails, telephone calls, visitors to meetings, and an October 12th public hearing. As a result of these
meetings and public input, several potential changes have been discussed by the Commission.
Proposed changes to the City Charter will be the topic of a public meeting scheduled for 5:30 PM,
December 1, 2004.
Proposed changes include:
1. Election of Mayor - The Mayor is currently selected for a two -year term by a majority vote of the City Council
members. The Mayor is the figurative head and a voting member of the City Council and has the responsibility
to lead Council meetings. Assuming the Mayor's powers and responsibilities remain the same, should the
Mayor instead be selected for a four -year term by a majority vote of the citizens? This would require one of the
at -large council positions to be designated as the Mayor's slot and other possible administrative changes to
the Charter.
2. District Representation - Currently 3 of 7 Council Members are nominated within their district and a primary
is held in the district if needed. The November city election has district Council Members elected by voters
citywide. Should the number of districts be increased? Should the district Council Members be "pure" i.e.
general election held in the districts only?
The format of this Community Discussion will be informal and interactive. Depending on the number of participants,
those attending will be divided into groups. Each group will spend up to twenty -five minutes discussing each issue. At
the conclusion of the group discussions all participants will gather. Commission members will briefly summarize the
group discussions and allow time for a general discussion of any additional Charter issues raised by the citizens
participating.
If you cannot attend this meeting, the public is welcome at any of the Commission's regular meetings and written
comments will be accepted at any time by mail to Charter Review, Attn: City Clerk, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa
City, IA 52240 or by e -mail at citycharter @iowa - city.org
LhJ Proposed Amended Charter - 11/9/04
<< Return to City Charter
http:// www. icgov. org /cotincil/charteramendmeiit.litm 11/17/2004
City of Iowa City, Iowa - Official Web Site Page I of 2
Charter Review Process Underway
The duties of the Charter Review Commission will be to review the existing
City Charter and within twelve months recommend any charter amendments
that it deems fit. The Commission's recommendations are binding on the
Council. The Council must submit the Commission's recommendations to the
voters unless, on the Commission's recommendations, the Council amends
the Charter by Ordinance.
Meeting Scheduled for 12/01/04 to Receive Input
Click here for more information
What is the City Charter?
The Iowa City Charter is a document that determines how the government of
Iowa City is organized. The 19 page document provides the legal basis for:
• Composition of the City Council - number of members; district and at -large
members;
• How the Council is elected and Mayor is chosen;
• Employment and duties of the City Manager;
• Relationship with City Boards and Commissions;
• Restrictions on campaign contributions;
• Procedures for citizen initiatives and referenda.
• Other administrative and organizational elements
Questions about the Iowa City Charter Review Commission should be
directed to Marian Karr, City Clerk at 356 -5041 or citycharter@iowa-
city.org.
Proposed Amended Charter - 11/9/04
Present City Charter
Charter Review Commission Agendas /Minutes
Charter Review Commission Membership
Written comments can be
addressed to:
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Attn: Charter Review
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
E -mail comments may also
be submitted electronically to:
citycharter@iowa-city.org.
Please include name and
address with all
correspondence.
t
home I services I business I calendar I news I jobs I departments
http:/h vww. icgov .org/council/charterroview.htm 11/17/2004
From Karen Kubby
Suggested Timefriwie for December 1, 2004 Public Discussion
5:30pm Welcome and introductions by William Sueppel, Sr., Chair
Explain format of meeting
Count off by 4's
5:45pm Break into first set of small groups —Mayor election process discussion
6:1Opm End first small group discussion
6:15pm Begin second small group discussion District discussion: number/how elected
6:40pm End small group discussion
6:50pm Small groups report back to large group
If many groups, maybe the top three issues of each topic are reported
If few groups, could report more
7:05pm Large group discussion about any issue participants bring up
8:00pm Closing remarks by the Chair
Kim
Facilitator Tips
1. Check in to see if everyone understands the format of the next 25 minutes.
2. Remind the group what topic this group is discussing, reminding them they will have a chance to
talk about the other topic in small group, as well as anything else they have in mind during the
large group time.
3. Ask if anyone needs any clarification about how the current charter works in this area and what
the suggestion for change was. Answer concisely to clarify. This allows everyone to have the
same information and understanding about what is being proposed.
4. Some suggested questions:
a. How do you feel about this potential change?
b. No matter how you feel about the change, what might be some benefits to this change for
the community?
c. No matter how you feel about the change, what might be some negative consequences of
this change for the community?
5. Keep the group focused on the task at hand within the above timeframe.
6. If someone wants to bring up another topic during small group discussion, ask them to write
down their topic and that around 7pm, the floor will be opened up for other areas within the
charter.
7. If someone dominates the conversation, ask the group if anyone else has anything to contribute
or add to the conversation. If not, that person is allowed to go on.
8. If not everyone is contributing, ask if anyone who hasn't spoken would like to add something.
Look around the group equally for response, so as not to "pick" on anyone in particular.
9. Near the end of the time, you can do a "round robin" to see if anyone wants to add anything
before the discussion ends. This allows one last chance for people to contribute.
Some Pros and Cons of Major Charter Review Topics
At December 1, 2004 Public Discussion
Mayor Election Process
Elected by City Council
Pro
1. Is working well now.
2. Good working relationship with council.
3. No seat left open if council member
moves over to Mayor's seat, resulting
in a special election.
Con
1. Leadership could be stronger.
2. Process is not public — mostly behind the scenes.
3. Original charter commission could have gone
either way with the Mayor selection process.
4. Person who can get 4 votes is not always the best
leader.
Elected by Voter
Pro
1. Mayor is community leader and should be
elected by the connnunity.
2. More public process.
3. Is a representative gov't — direct election is
is more representative.
Would allow use of other voting systems and
eliminate cost of a primary for candidate and
public.
Pro
Coll
1. Could result in an inexperienced Mayor.
2. If a council member moves over to the Mayor's
seat, it would trigger an appointment or special
election.
3. More expensive election process.
District Seats
4 vs 3 Districts
Con
1. City has grown —need more distribution of where in 1. Current system works well.
the city council members lives. 2. Would have to redraw districts.
2. Smaller districts allow for more grassroots campaign
strategies during the primary.
Consistent with other charter communities.
True Districts
Pro
1. Relieve voter confusion.
2. Smaller districts allow for more grassroots campaign
strategies for the primary and general election. This
could result in a wider variety of candidates.
3. Would allow use of other voting systems and eliminate
expense of a primary for both candidate and public.
4. Consistent with most communities in the US.
Con
Current system works well.
District reps might work hardest on
Issues effecting their district and not
have the interests of the entire city in
mind when making policy.
Gazette, Monday, November 15, 2004
CITY GOVERNMENT
Public meeting set
Dec. 1 to discuss
possible changes
By Mark Quitter
The Gazette
IOWA CITY — For those
who want a say in the struc-
ture of Iowa City government,
your day is near.
A nine - member commis-
sion, appointed by the City
Council, is re- examining the
Iowa City Charter, the docu-
ment that establishes the
structure of city government.
A public meeting will be
held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in
3m A at the Iowa City
. ,tblic Library for residents
to comment on the commis-
sion's decisions.
Now, the council has four
at -large members and three
district members. District
candidates are selected by
residents in their respective
district and then elected by
the entire city. Council mem-
hers choose the mayor, who
votes on issues, acts as the
city's official representative
and policy spokesman and
presides over the council.
The commission is consid-
ering three major changes:
• Electing the mayor.
• Creating "true districts,"
where council members are
elected only by their district
and not the entire city.
•Increasing the number of
district council members
from three to four, leaving
three at -large represenatives.
In the 1970s, Iowa law al-
lowed cities to choose their
form of government, with re-
strictions, said Eleanor
Dilkes, Iowa City attorney.
Iowa City decided on a home -
rule charter, meaning the city
chooses the structure instead
of one mandated by the state.
Only three other towns in
Iowa have a home -rule char-
ter, she said.
When the charter was
adopted in 1973, there was
extreme division in the city,
99We have to make
sure that our form of
democracy is not
stale' 5
Karen Kubby
Charter commission member
said Iowa City Clerk Marian
Karr.
To help ensure each section
of Iowa City was represented
in government, the city decid-
ed to have three district rep-
resentatives, who had to be
elected by the entire city.
The city also decided the
charter would be reviewed
every 10 years, with this be-
ing the third such review.
The commission has ap-
proved a temporary charter
but only slight wording
changes were made, said Ka-
ren Kubby, a charter commis-
sion member. The public
meeting will help determine
Charter /Commission considers all sides
► FROM PAGE 10
things, she said.
True districts also would
make it possible for a wider
range of people to be elected,
she said. Under the present
system, a candidate must be
well -known throughout the
city to be elected. With true
districts, they only need to be
well -known in their neighbor-
hood, making it easier for
their interests to be repre-
sented.
The four at -large council
members could help temper
parochialism from the district
council members, Kubby said.
University of Iowa law stu-
dent and commission member
Nate Green, 23, of Iowa City,
said he is waiting for more
input from the public before
}re takes a stance on these
issues. Although he sees both
sides, Green said he is lean-
ing toward keeping the may-
or- selection process. The for-
mer UI student body
president said the system en-
sures the mayor has experi-
ence. By directly electing the
mayor, it would change the
face of elections in Iowa City,
causing more campaign
spending and fanfare, he said.
Green said he is even more
conflicted on whether or not
to develop true districts. He
likes the idea that districts
the outcome of these impor-
tant issues, she said.
Kubby said while many be-
lieve the current form of gov-
ernment in Iowa City works
fine, changing aspects of it
could be quite beneficial.
"We have to make sure that
our form of democracy is not
stale," she said.
The commission is excited
and open to new ideas, she
said, and encourages the pub-
lic to give input.
Kubby said she supports an
elected mayor, a position that
would bring a different sense
of leadership although the du-
ties would remain the same.
She said she also wants to
keep the four at -large seats
and three district seats, but
wants to make the districts
true districts. During every
election, much time is spent
educating the electorate about
Iowa City's "funky" govern -
ment system, Kubby said.
This would help simplify
► CHARTER, PAGE 20
are represented by district
council members, but thinks
true districts may cause more
lobbying for special interests
by each district. Now, there
is district representation, but
the entire community still
has a say in the entire coun-
cil, he said.
"It fosters more of a whole
community outlook," Green
said.
For more information
about the public meeting or
for contact information on
the charter members, call the
city clerk at (319) 356 -5043.
■ contact the writer: (319) 339 -3161 or
mark. quiner @gazeltecommunlcalions.com
LETTER TO GAZETTE — IOWA CITY CHARTER
(Please print this letter between Sunday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 30.)
Naomi J. Novick
306 Mullin Ave
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 337 -4649
November 19, 2004
Iowa City has a City Charter which describes in detail the government of our City. The Charter was
written by a committee of citizen volunteers, and then was adopted by the voters in 1973. This Charter
requires a formal review every 10 years, which is also done by a committee of citizen volunteers.
The third Charter Review Commission is now meeting regularly, and we are also encouraging other city
residents to tell us what they think about the City Charter. We will hold a public discussion of the
Charter on December I" at 5:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library. This discussion, in small groups,
will include the election of the District Council members and the election of the Mayor. Other Charter
topics that people wish to discuss may be brought up that evening.
Copies of the Charter are available at City Hall and the Library, or you may read it at www.ic og v.org.
Please take this opportunity to have your opinion of the Charter heard. Or, you may just come to listen
and learn about your city and its government.
Naomi J. Novick, Member
Iowa City Charter Conunission