HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-03 Info PacketCITY OF IOWA CITY
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CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
I132 Open House for Outgoing Council Members
December 3, 2015
I133 Copy of Memo from Equity Dir.: Diversity Implementation Update and Status on Racial
Equity and Diversity Initiative (3`d Quarter 2015)
I124 Letter from Johnson County Board of Supervisors: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training
and visit to Center for Health Care Services and Haven for Hope
I125 Copy of Johnson County Press Release: Reception to Recognize Service of Supervisor
Neuzil
I136 Building Statistics 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
IP7 Housing and Community Development Commission: November 19
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
12-03-15
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule SP1
Subject to change December 3, 2015
Time
Meetina
Location
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 5:30-6:30PM Outgoing Council Members Reception Helling Conference Rm
7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
Monday, January 4, 2016
12 noon
Spec. Formal (Organizational Meeting)
Harvat Hall
Special Work Session (Intro Budget)
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Saturday, January 9, 2016
8AM-4PM
Special Work Session (Dept. Budget)
Harvat Hall
Monday, January 11, 2016
1-7:00 PM
Special Work Session (CIP Budget)
Harvat Hall
Thursday, January 14, 2016
5:00 PM
Special Work Session (Budget)
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
Formal Meeting
Monday, January 25, 2016
4:00 PM
Reception
TBA
4:30 PM
Joint Public Entities Meeting
North Liberty
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 5:00 PM Work Session Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
IP2
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Open House
5:306:30 P.M.
Tuesday, December 151h
Helling Conference Room
410 E. Washington St,
Iowa City
Join as to thank outgoing
City C'ounC11 Members
Rick Dobyns, Michelle Payne,
and Mayor Matt Hayek for
their 16 years of service.
r
'A,�-��,,--.A CITY OF IOWA CITY IP3
..MEMORANDUM
Date: December 2, 2015
To: Geoff Fruin, Assistant City Manager
From: Stefanie Bowers, Equity Director=,,.
Re: Diversity Implementations Update and Status on Racial Equity and Diversity Initiative
(3rd Quarter 2015).
Introduction
This memo serves as an update for the ongoing staff responsibilities of the Ad Hoc Diversity
Committee's recommendations that were adopted by way of resolution in June of 2013. It also
provides the most recent activity on the 2013 and 2014 Reports on Equity for 2013 and the Action
Plan and the Racial Equity and Diversity Initiatives adopted by resolution in February of 2015. All
materials can be located on the City's website on the diversity link.
Third Quarter Update on Recommendations of the Diversity Implementations
(September — November 2015)
Racial Equity and Diversity InIdative
Council Hold Listening Posts
The third Council Listening Posts was held on October 15 at the Java House (west side location).
Council members Payne and Dobyns represented the Council.
Staff Roundtables
The City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Police Chief, City Clerk, Communications Coordinator,
Human Rights Investigator and Equity Director along with representatives from the Black Voices
Project, the Coalition for Racial Justice, the Human Rights Commission, and the Center for
Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa have held roundtables in the months of October and December.
Topics have included increasing the diversity pool of applicants for the City boards and commissions
and a discussion with Library staff on programs and initiatives that address equity in services and
outreach.
Expand Coffee with a Cop
The Police Department has expanded Coffee with a Cop to different areas of the
Community, the most recent events being held on November 30 at High Ground CaM, on
October 16 at the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, and on September 30 at the 1°t
Avenue Hy -Vee.
Participate In United States Department of Justice Pilot Program National Initiative for Building
Community Trust and Justice
The Police Department is still awaiting a response from the United States Department of
Justice on the inquiry to participate in the Building Community Trust and Justice.
Offer Police Ride Alongs to Community Members
To encourage more relationship building activities with police officers and members of the
community the Police Department offers ride alongs to members of the community who wish
to participate.
Expand the Use of Body -Mounted Cameraswithin the Police Department
ompleted in Avoust of 2015.
Participate In the Disproportionate Minority Contact Study
The Police Department continues to participate in the study on disproportionate minority contact
in traffic stops with Dr. Christopher Barnum of St. Ambrose University. Dr. Barnum will
report out on the most recent data (2013 & 2014) in early 2016. This study was recently
renewed to continue through calendaryear2016.
Encourage Other Jurisdictions within Johnson County to Establish
Community Police Review Boards
City Departments Receive Tralnings on Competency, Blas, Awareness and Cultural
Consciousness
October 19, 20, & 21, all permanent full-time City staff participated in a mandatory 3 hour
training presented by Dr. Eddie Moore and Diane Finnerty. The trainings concentrated on
interpersonal cultural competency, oppression and privilege and how biases (some good, some
bad) influence behavior and subsequent decisions. Trainings were held at the Terry Trueblood
Recreation Area.
October 24-27, the Police Chief attended the 122nd Annual Conference and Exposition of the
International Association of Chiefs of Police. Training during the conference included sessions
on Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Trust through Communication and Reframing the Issue of
Biased Policing Based on the Science of Implicit Bias. The conference also included a keynote
by President Obama that addressed policing and race.
Engage with Communities of Color by Actively Participating in Events, Programs,
Activities, and Outreach
October 22, the Police Chief participated in panel discussion to discuss progress and
challenges regarding the racial disparities in youth systems here in Johnson County. The event
was hosted by the Johnson County Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee and held at
the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building.
October 28, the Community Outreach Assistant for the Police Department spoke on his work in
the community at the Cup O'Justice Are you Choosing Your Journey sponsored by the
University of Iowa. The event was held in the Iowa Memorial Union.
Provide Support and Resources for a Regional Community Identification
Program.
Onnoing.
Partner with the Government Alllance on Racial Equity (GARE)
November 18, Julie Nelson, Executive Director for the Local and Regional Government Alliance
on Race and Equity (GARE) facilitated a discussion and orientation to governmental work for
racial equity for City division & department heads and Council members. City staff in
attendance will serve as the designated Equity Team for the City through GARE and assist with
the development of, and implementation of a racial equity work plan. The training included
interactive exercises to deepen the understanding of racial equity and taught participants to
begin to apply this learning to their work in government. Training was held at the Eastside
Recycling Educational Center.
November 18, Human Rights staff participated in the monthly GARE Leadership Cohort
meetings.
November 20, Julie Nelson, Executive Director for GARE lead a training for front line
supervisors, managers, division and department heads that were Interested and supportive of
leading efforts on race equity with their colleagues via a train -the -trainer approach. The training
focused on structures and systems (institutional biases) and developing tools that governments
can use to address inequities and strategies to improve outcomes for all persons using race as
the indicator. Training was held at the Eastside Recycling Educational Center.
Review and Discuss Committee Reports from the Criminal Justice Coordinating
Committee of Johnson County
The City Clerk has been including the meeting minutes of the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Committee of Johnson County in Council Information Packets.
Collect and Analyze Data on Individuals who Apply for Employment with the City
The City has been collecting data on the race and ethnicity of individuals that apply for
employment with the City through the new MUNIS Enterprise Resource Planning System.
The data is voluntarily submitted by the applicant. The data started being collected
January 1 and will be collected through December3l of this year.
Collectand Analyze Data on Individuals who Apply for Appointment on City
Boards/Commissions
The City has been collecting data on the race and ethnicity of individuals that apply for
appointment on a City boardfoommission through a voluntary survey that is a part of the
application. The date started being collected January 1 and will be collected through December
31 of this year. Further information on how the City plans to increase the diversity of the
applicant pool for boards and commissions can be found in the 2013, 2014 reports on equity.
October 6, the Council by resolution 15-300 established a reappointment process for City
boards and commissions to decrease stagnation in the reappointment process and set a
consistent policy.
September 14, staff of the Human Rights Office and City Clerk's Office participated in a
webinar sponsored by the Government Alliance on Racial Equity entitled Using Board and
Commission Appointments to Advance Racial Equity.
November 24, the City Clerk, to further the overall goal to make the application process more
user friendly for boards and commission applicants, streamlined the application form to provide
for email submissions and printing capabilities.
Evaluate a Racial Equity Impact Review Tool for City Budgets, Programs, Policies
and Services
Further information will be reported out in the next quarterly report on this item. Initial GARE
training and workshop has Just been completed.
Increase Racial/Ethnic Diversity of the Applicant Pool for Hiring within the Police
Department
September 18, the Human Resource Department created a brochure Understanding the
Application and Hiring Process for Certified Law Enforcement Positions with the City. To be
used by the Police Department for outreach and recruitment purposes.
October 1, the Police Department participated in a Criminal Justice Career Fair that was held
on the University of Iowa campus.
Increase Awareness of the Options to File Complaints of Discrimination Against the
Police Department or other City Services, Program or Operations
November 5, the Equity Director met with Ty Coleman, Media Productions Services
Coordinator, to discuss creating a Public Service Announcement that could be aired on City
Channel 4 and local news channels.
Other diems to Note
September 17, the Equity Director participated in a webinar on Measuring Positive Youth
Outcomes. The webinar can be viewed at the following link
httns://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N jVWrG870Y. It was sponsored by the Council of Juvenile
Corrections Administrators.
October 1, a Captain and the Community Outreach Assistant for the Police Department
attended the Iowa Criminal Justice Summit 2015. A National Conversation in Iowa. The event
was held on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The summit included discussions by
members of the Iowa judiciary, legislative and executive branches of government on over
criminalization, disparities and reform efforts.
October 3, City staff from Parks and Recreation and Transit attended Up, Down, and All Around.
Strategies for Working with Youth, the training was held at Johnson County Extension.
Participants learned techniques for effective communication when working with youth
individually and in groups.
October 22, Human Resource and Parks and Recreation staff participated in a Job & Resource
Fair sponsored by the Human Rights Commission and several area non -profits. The Job &
Resource was held at the Eastside Plaza.
October 28, Council members and City staff from the following offices and departments
attended the 32nd Human Rights Awards Breakfast: Housing Authority, Human Rights, City
Cleric, City Attorney, City Manager, Public Library, Police, Neighborhood and Development
Services. The event was held at the Iowa Memorial Union in the Second Floor Ballroom.
Current Human Rights Commission and past chair Orville Townsend Sr., delivered the keynote
address Racism. A Community Puzzle.
October 28, 28, the Human Rights Investigator and Sustainability Services Coordinator
participated in the Urban Sustainability Directors Network 2015 Annual Meeting Post -
Conference Workshop: Equity in Sustainability. The purpose of the workshop was to discover
ways to embed equity in government systems, build a team to advance equity and to apply an
equity lens to projects. The annual meeting was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
November 6, Council member and City staff from the Communication, Police, Human Rights
and Parks and Recreational Departments' participated In a full day training with Bill Eddy,
LCSW, JD, on How to Deal with High Conflict Personalities: Loam to De-escalate Situations and
Calm Upset or Angry People . The training was held at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center and
sponsored by Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa and Diversity Focus.
November 14, City staff in a memo to Council supported the recommendation from the Human
Rights Commission to include participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program in the
definition of Public Assistance Source of Income.
November 22, the Police Chief and Dr. Christopher Barnum spoke on the St. Ambrose study on
Disproportionate Minority Contact in Traffic Stops at the Crime Net meeting. Crime Net is a bi-
monthly meeting of local, state and federal law enforcement officials. The study has been
viewed as being a proactive approach to measure and address racial profiling.
November 23, the Equity Director participated in a discussion with the Director for the Dubuque
Human Rights Department on working with the Government Alliance on Race & Equity and
updates on Dubuque's fair housing initiatives.
See Attachment 1 for a complete list of the Police Department's activities for the third
quarter.
TO:
Stefanie Bowers
FROM:
Captain Douglas S. Hart
RE:
DIF Reporting for ICPD 3rd Quarter 2015
DATE:
October 23, 2015
ICPD's DIF Reporting for the third quarter of 2015 is below.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Documentation of any participation of an event, attended or presented, by a
Department Member to a community member or organization.
53 ICPD Officers attended 124 events in the third quarter of 2015 totaling 309 hours and made contact
with approximately 6,552 community members. Several community outreach efforts included community
member ride alongs. Of particular note is the Department's participation in the Johnson County Explorers.
The Department also had Coffee with a Cop in July, August, and September. Locations for the events
included the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center, T -Spoons -Old Capitol Mall, and the Center for Workers
Justice.
COMMUNITY Presentations: Documentation of any participation in a community presentation by a
Department Member.
10 ICPD Officers participated in 42 community presentations In the third quarter of 2015 totaling 93.5
hours making contact with 760 community members.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING: Documentation of any training by a Department Member involving
cultural competency. Cultural competency training refers to training directed at an ability to interact
effectively with people of different cultures, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.
All sworn ICPD Officers attended 2 hours of Cultural Competency Training at the yearly April Training
Sessions. This year's presenter was from Synchronicity. Additionally, 3 Officers attended 3 other cultural
competency related trainings. This Includes: Cultural Competency Training, Diversity/Privilege/Leadership,
and Racial Impact Statements.
No member of the Department participated in cultural competency training this quarter.
PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORTS ON RIGHTS: Documentation of any participation of an event, attended or
presented by a Department Member to a community member or organization where focus is on education
of one's rights.
3 ICPD Officers participated in 6 public education efforts on rights in the third quarter of 2015 totaling 8.25
hours and making contact with 248 community members.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: Documentation of any partnership between the Department and another
Community Organization.
ICPD worked with multiple community partnerships that led to attendance at 113 events by 21 officers
who spent 311.25 hours with 3,635 community members.
Of note is the Department's partnership in Notional Night Out. National Night Out is designed to heighten
crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in neighborhood anti-crime
programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police -community partnerships, and send message that
neighborhoods are organized.
The Departmerrt's Neighborhood Resource Officer participated in a new partnership with Kirkwood
Criminal Justice program with ongoing class visits and presentations. This officer's partnership with
Learning for life continued with meetings and signing up to become a Learning for Life Explorer post #911.
The Department's Downtown Liaison Officers partnership with the Johnson County Local Homeless
Coordinating Board (LHCB) and the Frequent User Systems Engagement (FUSE) sub -committee. This sub-
committee is working toward and "housing first" initiative which will provide housing to chronically
homeless individuals with a goal of reducing their use of emergency services.
The collaboration with the Iowa City Bike Library to repurpose abandoned bicycles impounded by the
police department continues. Instead of being auctioned or recycled as scrap metal, the Iowa City Bike
Library refurbishes some of the bicycles which are then lent out through their organization. The
remaining bicycles are collected by Working Bikes. Working Bikes Is a non-profit that rescues discarded
bicycles and gives them new life by redistributing them in global communities. The Iowa City Police
Department turned over approximately 58 abandoned bicycles to these organizations this quarter.
The Department also conducted 688 extra patrol efforts, 247 foot patrol efforts, and made 11 school
visits.
Johnson ' P4
County BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Pat Harney, Chairperson Janelle Rettig
Mike Carberry Rod Sullivan
a
Terrence Neuzil
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November 30, 2015r
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Dear City and University Administrators,
In May of this year, Jessica Peckover from Johnson County Jail Alternatives and Major Steve
Dolezal from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, had the opportunity to observe a 40 -hour
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and visit the Center for Health Care Services and Haven
for Hope in San Antonio, Texas. The Center is a non-profit that works closely with law
enforcement in San Antonio to coordinate comprehensive crisis services. Two key resources
made available to law enforcement are The Restoration Center and Haven for Hope. The
Restoration Center is a law enforcement -friendly crisis stabilization center that offers an array of
crisis services including a sobering unit, detox facility, and psychiatric crisis management.
Haven for Hope is a homelessness service provider that offers low barrier access to emergency
shelter as well as a comprehensive spectrum of resources and services to individuals who are
ready to engage in a change process.
San Antonio has become a model for jurisdictions around the country looking to implement
these services that not only assist our most vulnerable residents but, very often, act as an
alternative to incarceration. To date, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office has sent four deputies
and the Coralville Police Department has sent one officer to complete the 40 -hour CIT training.
The training has been received very well thus far. There is growing support in our area for
having all law enforcement trained in CIT as well as the type of services provided by The
Restoration Center and Haven for Hope.
The Board of Supervisors is committed to supporting the expansion of this type of programming
in our community and two Supervisors are planning a trip to San Antonio to observe a portion of
the CIT training and take a tour of The Restoration Center and Haven for Hope. This is
scheduled to take place January 25 and 26, 2016. Another opportunity will be held the week of
May 2, 2016 and representatives from the County, as well as related service providers in our
area, are planning to attend.
Issues of homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness affect all of our communities and
impact the work of our law enforcement professionals. In order to implement creative solutions
such as those in San Antonio, we will need buy -in from all our jurisdictions at both the policy and
staff levels. For this reason, the Board of Supervisors would like to encourage your office to
consider sending a staff member and, for the municipalities, a city councilor, to the visit either in
January or May.
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET ♦ IOWA CITY, IA 52240 ♦ 319.356.6000 PHONE ♦ 319.356.6036 FAX
www.JOHNSON-COUNTY.com ♦ johnsoncountyia.igm2.com
If you have further questions about the programs in San Antonio or the tours in January and
May, please feel free to contact Jessica Peckover at 319-688-5819 or Major Steve Dolezal at
319-356-6020. If there is interest in attending the January tour, contacting Peckover or Major
Dolezal at your earliest convenience would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Pat Harney, Chairperson
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
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Johnson
County
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Pat Harney, Chairperson
Mike Carberry
Terrence Neuzil
Contact: Board of Supervisors Office
Contact Number: 319-356-6000
Contact Email: sups@co.johnson.ia.us
December 1, 2015
For Immediate Release
RECEPTION TO RECOGNIZE SERVICE OF SUPERVISOR NEUZIL
Janelle Rettig
Rod Sullivan
Johnson County, Iowa — The Board of Supervisors will host a reception from 7:30 to 9 am on
Thursday, December 17, to thank Supervisor Terrence Neuzil for his service. Neuzil has
accepted the position of County Administrator with the Kalamazoo (MI) County Board of
Commissioners. The reception is open to the public, and will be held in Conference Room
203BC of the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 South Dubuque Street
in Iowa City. Light refreshments will be served.
L
Parking is available in the open air public lot to the north of the HHS building. For elevator
access, use the flagpole entrance (north side of the building) or the entrance on the south side
of the building.
Neuzil was first elected to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in 2000. His last day with
Johnson County is effective December 20, 2015.
-END-
913
END-
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET, SUITE 201 ♦ IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-4207 ♦ PHONE: (319) 356-6000 ♦ FAX: (319) 356-6036
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MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — 6:30 PM
SENIOR CENTER, ASSEMBLY ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter Byler, Sydny Conger, Bob Lamkins, Jim Jacobson, Dorothy
Persson, Emily Seiple, Mark Signs
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Bacon Curry
STAFF PRESENT: Kris Ackerson, Tracy Hightshoe
OTHERS PRESENT: Maryann Dennis, Casey Westhoff, Roger Lusala
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends City Council adoption of FY2016 Annual Action
Plan Amendment #2 which will allocate CDBG funds totaling $100,002 to Prelude, $50,000 to
Systems Unlimited, $49,998 to The Housing Fellowship and $600,000 to Bilam Properties, LLC.
Byler called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Lamkins moved to approve the minutes of October 22, 2015 with minor edits. Persson seconded
the motion. A vote was taken and motion passed 7-0.
None.
STAFF/COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ackerson welcomed Conger to her first meeting.
Ackerson noted that Signs resigned from the Commission and this would be his last meeting.
Byler mentioned that all future emails will come from staff so that they can be included in public
record if needed.
Seiple noted that this evening the Senate was voting to not fund HOME as part of an
amendment to the transportation bill which would take funding down by 95%.
MONITORING VISITS:
The Housing Fellowship, Maryann Dennis
Dennis stated that The Housing Fellowship received funds to rehab 621 Keokuk Court and 446
Hawaii Court which are two dwellings the Fellowship has owned for quite a few years. The bid
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 2 of 8
ad was published on October 8 and bid packets were sent out to five additional contractors.
They received three bids for each unit, and there was a bid opening on October 30 and the
Hawaii Court project was awarded to Creative Improvements. The Fellowship had cut out
some of the items from the project because they have $24,999 to work with and need to have
some funds held back for unexpected items. The tenant that lives in the Hawaii Court home
prefers the work not begin until after the holidays and the Fellowship agreed. The 621 Keokuk
Court bid was awarded to CCBS Construction (they will not use more than $24,999 of HOME
funds, the Fellowship will pay for the rest). Dennis showed pictures of CCBS beginning work on
the 621 Keokuk Court home. The home will get new windows, new garage door opener,
complete re -do of the bathroom, and many other necessities. Dennis noted the current tenants
have lived in the home since 1997. Dennis said the project will be done within 90 days. These
two projects are from funds that were awarded to the Fellowship in January.
Dennis reminded the Commission that The Housing Fellowship is a non-profit housing
developer that mainly concentrates on affordable rental homes for families. They just
celebrated their 25 anniversary in September. They currently own and manage 171 scattered
site rental homes, they do not own any property that has any common areas, so no apartment
buildings. Their properties are all single family homes, townhomes, duplexes, or a few condos
within a bigger condo association. All the families they rent to are low income.
Persson asked about the money that was allocated to the Fellowship last month and how those
projects are progressing. Dennis said they are working on the scope of the projects as they
wait for the amendment to officially pass Council. Hightshoe also noted they will need to go
through environmental review. Once all requirements are met, the Fellowship may proceed.
Dennis noted that since they are a non-profit they must advertise for bids and give them time to
review the properties, submit the bids, have a bid opening, submit the minutes, and then enter
into a contract.
Dennis noted they have a few long term tenants, one over 20 years and this family at 621
Keokuk Court for 18 years. Tenants can have the option to buy the properties if they are able
to, are income eligible and then not resell the property for a set number of years.
Svstems Unlimited. Casev Westhoff
Westhoff (Executive Director) provided the Commission with an update regarding the property
at 1628 California Avenue which was the home they purchased utilizing CDBG funds. They
closed on the home in mid-September. The home will house three individuals with severe
intellectual mental disabilities and autism that have some significant behavioral challenges.
They knew when they purchased this house they would need to do some renovations to make
it more friendly for the individuals they serve. They typically see such tenants put significant
holes in walls, doors and windows. So they are putting in new drywall throughout the home, 5/8
inch drywall (thicker than normal drywall for resistance), and new windows will be installed
soon. They hope to have the interior finished within the next two months. The home has two
bedrooms on the main level and two more bedrooms in the finished basement. Systems paid
$160,000 for the home. Westhoff noted the house was re -roofed as part of the purchase
negotiation. Westhoff showed pictures of the home. The tenants who will be placed in this
home are moving from another home in Iowa City that is too small and not in great shape.
Systems is excited to find this home and be able to customize it to meet the needs of these
individuals. Westhoff noted they would also put in additional fencing around the yard, six foot in
height for safety of the tenants. Westhoff stated they would upgrade the house the tenants are
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 3 of 8
vacating for other individuals in need. He said there is 24-hour care for the individuals in the
home, on a rotating basis.
Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program, Roger Lusala
Lusala (Executive Director) stated they received an award of $60,000 and were originally going
to complete one project with the funds but were able to buy two houses with the funds. The first
house is on Shamrock Drive, a three bedroom house. They spent an additional $8,100 to get
the house updated, new carpeting, washer and dryer, and other miscellaneous repairs. They
purchased the home on July 28 and the new tenants were able to move in August 15. There
are three ladies with disabilities living in the home; they are all new to the MYEP program and
new to Iowa City as well. Lusala noted for their residential program they serve adults, ages 18
and above, and the three ladies living in this home range in age from 22 to 30. Folks in their
program can live in the homes indefinitely. He stated that the majority of their services are for
people with disabilities but they do have some programs that work with at risk youths in
employment capacities. For the housing program, only people with disabilities can be placed in
the homes.
Lusala said the second house they purchased is at 403 Elmridge Avenue for $189,000. They
put a down payment of $37,000 from CDBG funds. For this house they partnered with US Bank
and it did not need much work so they only spent about $2,400 to get it ready for people to
move in. They closed on this house on August 5 and the first person moved in on September 1
and now it is full with three men living in the home, all in their early 20's so this is their first
home. Thanks for the CDBG funds they were able to purchase two houses and give six
individuals homes.
REVIEW OF PROCESS — ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT #1:
Hightshoe noted that they clarified with legal counsel that whatever amendment they publish for
public input goes to Council. She said that is why the Commission's objection was noted in the
comments received and in the memo. She stated she believes that this is the only time it has
been done this way. Typically the Commission meets, they form a recommendation, staff
presents that to the public, the Commission then sees it again during the 30 -day public
comment period, and then makes a final recommendation to Council. In this unique situation
staff needed to start the 30 -day process in order to meet the HOME deadline and drafted the
amendment before HCDC could meet.
CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ON THE FY2016 ANNUAL ACTION
PLAN AMENDMENT #2:
Byler noted this amendment formalized the allocations discussed at the October 22 meeting.
That amendment was drafted, and now is up for public comment.
Seiple noted she was concerned about ramifications with the crime free lease and federal
funding based on protected classes related to the funding for Bilam Properties LLC. She said in
her research she found that such leases can discourage residents from calling police.
Persson noted that due to increased incarceration over the past 20 years, rapid rehousing
needs have increased and many homeless do have criminal records so there may be future
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 4 of 8
issues with how to deal with that situation. Persson agrees the crime free leases are to make
everyone in the neighborhood feel safe, however how are we to aid and assist those homeless
folks with criminal records. Jacobson said this does raise the question of disparate impact.
Dennis noted that The Housing Fellowship does conduct background checks and that the
Supreme Court has passed a disparate impact ruling which can impact what non -profits or
companies receiving federal funds can do. On the other hand the HOME program requires that
if a property is leased with HOME funds the property owner or manager must have an approved
tenant selection plan. They must submit what criteria they use to allow a tenant to lease the
property. Most landlords do a credit check, The Housing Fellowship does not, but they do
national criminal and eviction background checks. Dennis said their attorney recommends not
having an itemized list of what they will or will not accept in background checks, to be more
subjective on a case-by-case basis. They look more at history of destruction of property, theft
and violence to people. Dennis said their background checks only go back three years.
Jacobson noted that while the Council ultimately makes the final decision, his concern is what
the Commission is perhaps agreeing to, or recommending, could it be adverse to the City.
Hightshoe said the City is just assisting with the rehab of the property and ensures compliance
with the rehabilitation and CDBG/HOME requirements. She stated the City encourages good
property management, but will check with the City's legal department about the issue of crime
free leases and if in any case this is not legal or not in compliance with the CDBG program. The
City does monitor that CDBG housing recipients are leasing more than 50% to low income
(under 80%) households.
Persson moved to recommend approval of the proposed FY16 Annual Action Plan
Amendment #2. Jacobson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
carried 7-0.
DISCUSSION OF SCORING CRITERIA AND APPLICATION FORM FOR CDBG AND HOME
GRANT APPLICATIONS AND CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
Byler noted the scoring criteria and draft application form was emailed out to the
Commissioners. Hightshoe said that The Housing Fellowship submitted comments and
distributed their letter.
Byler stated that several Commissioners had sent their suggestions to Ackerson and Byler then
redid the scoring sheet and combined the two scoring sheets into one. He said some of the
significant changes are the scoring sheet follows the application sections and there are no more
yes/no questions on the scoring sheet. They removed some of the questions that were more
conceptual and not really able to be scored. The cost estimate questions also now line up on
the application and scoring guide.
Persson asked for clarification on community partnerships and volunteer resources. She noted
that so many of the projects are put out for bids and the work being completed by professionals.
Byler referred to question 12 "please describe any community partnership or volunteers that will
contribute to the project" so if you are Habitat for Humanity and you are using volunteer labor
that leverages the money the Commission is awarding. Another example would be two non-
profits working together on a project. Persson asked how The Housing Fellowship would fulfill
leveraging community partnerships or volunteer resources. Dennis replied that they can
leverage partnerships with banks and trust funds. She noted that her Board is all volunteer
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 5 of 8
members so she classifies their time as volunteer resources. Habitat for Humanity will always
score more in volunteer service. Jacobson noted these scoring criteria are used as guidance.
Byler also noted the first question is "does the project have realistic cost projections including
bids," so that covers The Housing Fellowship's need to get bids and the fact the Habitat for
Humanity will never have a bid process. Hightshoe noted the question includes both community
partnerships and volunteer resources so it can be scored equally over various types of projects.
Persson noted she liked the draft, but wanted confirmation that the scoring system would be
used as a starting point for discussions, not as an absolute in making decisions. Byler said that
could be up for discussion. -
Dennis addressed the Commission about the application and scoring sheet from the perspective
of the applicants. The Housing Fellowship has applied for many different sources of financing
and most of the applications are scored, so as an applicant when filling out an application they
aim to get the highest score. She noted the FY16 allocation process was very frustrating as an
applicant because some Commissioners didn't score the applications at all, and the discrepancy
in the scores for the same application didn't make any sense. To Dennis that indicates there is
way too much subjectivity in the analysis of the applications. Other sources of financing that
uses scoring systems are much more objective and can explain their scoring systems. Dennis
stated that when analyzing an application there are four things to look at as written in the CITY
STEPS Plan for funding: 1) high priority need; 2) the capacity of the applicant; 3) the impact of
the project; 4) and the feasibility of the budget.
Byler asked whether Dennis was suggesting that staff would be better equipped to draft the
allocation recommendations and just have the Commission approve staffs recommendations.
Dennis did not suggest that however noted that staff is more aware of project budget and
proforma than many on the Commission. Other boards and commissions for the City vote on
staff recommendations.
Jacobson noted that if the decision is to use the scoring criteria, then everyone on the
Commission should use the scoring criteria. Lamkins noted he was not a fan of the scoring
sheets; he would rather have discussions and subjectively rank the applications. Seiple noted it
would be hard for a new commissioner to fill out the scoring sheet without discussion.
Byler noted that the flip side of the scoring is the discussion is very valuable for making
allocations, but how will they make distinctions when all the applicants meet the high priority
need, the capacity of impact, and have a budget. Does everyone get the same funding? What
makes one project more worthy than another?
Hightshoe noted that the projects are often not easily comparable — one can be for housing
rehabilitation and another could be for a warehouse expansion for the Crisis Center.
Lamkins liked the idea of scoring as long as they were not restricted to allocating strictly based
on scoring. He likes the discussion and ability to change funding priorities based on the
discussions.
Byler asked whether more Commissioners were in favor of using the scoring sheet as a
personal guide. Persson agreed to that, but that the scoring sheets should be completed and
turned in prior to the discussion at the meeting. Signs agreed with Persson that seeing the
scoring sheets prior to the discussion would be helpful, especially to new commissioners.
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 6 of 8
Jacobson suggested staff also fill out score sheets as guidance, to address the expertise of their
knowledge of the projects and applicants that perhaps the Commissioners are not privy to. The
Commission discussed the value of staff completing the scoring sheets and agreed it would be
valuable to the Commission.
The Commission and staff discussed edits to the draft scoring sheet. There was significant
discussion on the question of overhead of the organization and project. Byler said that is
addressed in question 23. Byler noted that he and Ackerson did discuss question 20 at length
"to what extent does the proposed project pay property taxes". Byler was unsure that was
pertinent to the application. The Commission agreed to remove that question from the
application and scoring sheet.
Next was discussion on the weighting of points for each section. Seiple asked for clarification on
differentiating parts one and two. Byler said it was a way to prioritize projects that may not have
another source of funding, and also the ability to leverage allocations. Also adding the question
regarding "ability to private fund raise" should be added back to the application.
Jacobson noted that in section one, with the new CITY STEPS, the number of possible things
that constitute a need, everything is a need and it would be very hard for an applicant to not get
the full 20 points. Byler noted the judgement comes in on the 2nd part of the question in how well
the applicant fills the need. The question will be revised to "how well does the applicant
document the project to meet the needs identified in the CITY STEPS".
Persson noted that the area of capacity is very important and should carry a heavy weight. The
Commission discussed and felt it was subjective and would be an area of discussion during the
time of review of applications.
Signs noted removing the question regarding innovation was good. Persson agreed and said
what usually happens is those type of applicants have not done the community work to seek
other funding and partnerships and rely only on the grant funding.
Lamkins moved to use the new scoring criteria with revisions as a non-binding process
that will be used as a guide and completed by a deadline by all Commissioners and staff
so that a summary can be presented at the meeting for discussion.
Signs seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Ackerson noted that the Commission has the opportunity to have a meeting in December
(December 17) to discuss the Aid to Agencies applications which the Commission will be
recommending funding in January. This meeting can be a time for the Commissioners to ask
specific questions to the applicant agencies. There is not enough time for each agency to
present their application; it is more for the Commission to address questions/concerns prior to
discussion and voting at the January meeting. The Commission discussed and decided to only
hold the January meeting.
PUBLIC MEETING - ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE 2016-2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN
(AKA CITY STEPS)
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 22, 2015
Page 7 of 8
Byler opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Byler closed the public hearing.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dennis announced that the Johnson County Coalition was having a mixer on Monday,
December 7 at Red's Alehouse in North Liberty open to all.
Jacobson moved to adjourn. Conger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and motion carried
7-0.
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