HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2014 Charter Review CommissionCHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
7:45 AM
Harvat Hall, City Hall
410 East Washington Street
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR
AMENDED
a. Minutes of the meeting on 10/14/14
3. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
a. League of Women Voters Forum
b. Compensation
c. Table of Income Guidelines and Definitions
4. REVIEW CHARTER
a. Compensation of council members
b. Use of word "citizen"
c. Preamble and Definitions
d. Primary vs. Run-off election
e. Commission discussion of other sections (if time allows)
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
6. TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE (7:45 AM unless specified)
November 10
November 25
December 9
December 23
[Commission work completed no later than April 1, 2015]
7. ADJOURNMENT
Charter Review Commission
October 14, 2014
Page 1
MINUTES DRAFT
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014— 7.30 A.M.
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Steve Atkins, Andy Chappell, Karrie Craig, Karen Kubby, Mark Schantz,
Melvin Shaw (7:38), Anna Moyers Stone (7:42), Adam Sullivan
Members Absent: Dee Vanderhoef
Staff Present: Dennis Bockenstedt, Eleanor Dilkes, Marian Karr
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Chappell called the meeting to order at 7:31 A.M.
PRESENTATION ON LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX & THE CITY BUDGET:
The meeting began with a power point presentation by Dennis Bockenstedt, the City's Finance
Director, on the local option sales tax (LOST) referendum and the City budget. He explained
that a committee was formed following the budget process last year to review the feasibility of a
local option sales tax and then to make a recommendation on whether or not the City should
pursue this. The committee also looked at the City's current services and existing resources,
while reviewing what the best uses would be for a local option sales tax; and suggested ballot
language for such a referendum to the City Council.
The discussion continued, with Bockenstedt fielding questions about how the City can go about
securing additional revenue. He noted that the thing about a sales tax is it generates a lot of
revenue, yet has a lesser impact than some of the other options. Karr noted that if Members
have any further questions they can contact Bockenstedt directly
a. Minutes of the Meetings on 09/30/14 — Chappell noted that the only thing he saw
in the minutes was a reference to the meeting being in the 'evening,' when in fact it
was 7:30 in the morning.
Kubby moved to accept the Consent Calendar as amended. Sullivan seconded the
motion. Motion carried 8-0, Vanderhoef absent.
REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF:
a. League of Women Voters Forum — Chappell noted that the forum will be held
on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:00 P.M. The League has asked that some of
the Members be present at the forum. This forum is intended to inform the
attendees about what the Charter is in general and also to have some level of
Charter Review Commission
October 14, 2014
Page 2
discussion regarding whatever topics come to the fore. Chappell stated that they
need to decide who is going to attend, adding that they won't want more than
four in attendance due to meeting laws, etc. Schantz, Atkins, and Kubby
volunteered to attend. Kubby stated that Chappell should attend, as well, since
he is the Chair of the Charter Review Commission. Atkins asked why they
couldn't all attend and call it a regular meeting. Chappell stated that if there is a
strong desire they could do this but it would be considered a Charter Review
meeting. Sullivan stated that he is inclined to keep it a majority of the
Commission. Chappell stated that he will talk to the League further to see what
their feelings are on this and they can revisit the issue at the next meeting.
REVIEW CHARTER.'
a. Term limits — Chappell began the discussion with the term limit issue. He noted
that they did have some discussion about this when they discussed the mayoral position
and whether there should be some term limitation there. He asked what Members'
thoughts are on this issue. Kubby spoke to her feelings about these limits, noting that
she is somewhat open to this. Atkins noted that he has never been a fan. Schantz
stated that he does not feel strongly against it, but that it seems like a solution in search
of a problem. Others weighed in, agreeing that term limits typically come into play when
people are unhappy with who is currently in office. Kubby noted that Vanderhoef had
brought up the issue of a directly -elected mayor and the need for term limits in that
scenario. At this time there does not appear to be any interest on the part of the
Commission to suggest changes here. Chappell noted that if Vanderhoef would like to
address this further upon her return, they can do so at that time.
b. Compensation of council members — The issue of compensation for council
members was discussed next. Chappell noted that the Charter does not set the specific
amounts, the council itself does. Kubby noted that she believes there should be
something in the Charter so that councils can be relieved of this burden. She added that
the compensation should match what is expected — meetings, community events — in
terms of the time spent on council events. Shaw stated that he has a note in regards to
a conversation that took place back in May that made reference to raising the
compensation to 25% above the median income. He stated that he believes it came
about as they discussed how they could get more citizens involved. Shaw asked what,
on average, is the amount the council members receive. Chappell recalled that it is
$5,000 per council member, with the mayor receiving $7,000. Sullivan stated that one of
his concerns is that the compensation keeps out those in the community who cannot
afford to leave their job for an afternoon function or meeting. He believes it would be an
undue burden for a low -wage worker. Craig asked if Sullivan believes a higher
compensation would actually allow a low -wage worker to leave their job. The
conversation continued, with Members weighing in on the issue. Shaw noted that
serving on the City Council is not for the faint of heart. He added that those who have
the mental and financial wherewithal are going to be the ones who serve. He does
believe, however, that the compensation and/or financial reimbursements should be
raised, in order to help ease the burden of the time spent on council duties.
Atkins agreed that the amount should be raised. He noted that if it were part of the
Charter, it would be revisited basically every 10 years when the Charter is reviewed.
Schantz stated that he is in favor of doing something, that he believes having it be part
of the Charter, however, may be a bit tricky. He stated that one way to do this is to
come up with a number they believe is right. Another way is to have an external
Charter Review Commission
October 14, 2014
Page 3
committee of community members who would deal with this issue. A third way would be
to set the floor in the Charter with the current process, understanding that it might lag
behind in a 10-year period. Atkins stated that he really doesn't believe it to be that big of
a deal. He added that in all of his years with the City, he never had anyone in the
community complain about the council's compensation amounts. Members continued to
discuss the compensation issue, with Kubby again stating that she believes it takes the
burden off the council if they put this in the Charter. Chappell stated that he isn't sure he
would support raising the compensation amount as he is unsure what it should be. He
added that he might be, if he were convinced that raising it to some reasonable amount
would encourage otherwise underrepresented residents to run for council. Chappell
asked if there was an interest in creating a subcommittee for this, who could review the
issue and then come back to the Commission as a whole with a recommendation.
Shaw asked what a city comparable to Iowa City does with their council and mayor
compensation. Chappell asked what cities are used in the collective bargaining. Karr
noted that they use cities like Ames, Des Moines, Davenport, and Council Bluffs. She
added that staff can gather this information for the Commission to help them in their
review. Chappell stated that this would be helpful. He also asked if staff can find out
how the council members in these other cities are classified — are they part-time, for
example. After a brief discussion, Members agreed that they would like to revisit this as
a group at a future meeting. The conversation continued on what other governmental
entities do with salaries and classification of employees/councilors. It was noted that the
School Board Members do not receive any compensation.
C. Use of word "citizen" — Chappell noted that Dilkes had brought up some issues
when they talked about 'citizen' versus 'resident' early on in their conversations. Dilkes
stated that she had looked at definitions of 'citizen' and she remembers coming across
several that spoke about 'in the context of a city,' that you don't have citizenship of a city
— you are a resident of a city. She stated that they certainly could define 'citizen' as
'resident' in the Charter and then keep it as citizen. Craig stated that she would prefer
this, that she does not like the word 'citizen' in the Charter. She believes if they do not
remove the word 'citizen' from the Charter that they should then define it clearly as being
a resident. Schantz stated that he typically uses the word 'resident.' Atkins stated that
he uses 'citizen' as he likes the word citizenship. Dilkes stated that one thing that might
help them in doing a definition of 'citizen' as being a resident is they can then continue
with a citizenship quality. Karr asked if Members would like for her to do a search and
find in the Charter document that will highlight 'citizen,' as this will help give them some
context to what they are considering.
Kubby spoke briefly to adding a definition of 'corporation,' which would disengage
corporations from being people in the City's Charter, and in the compensation section
say that people and corporations have this limit. She believes this will clean up the issue
for many in the community. Sullivan stated that he understands why it sounds bad in
this day and age, but that corporations are legal people, as are political parties and
associations, committees, and other legal entities. He believes this could cause
problems. Dilkes stated that one issue she sees with this is whether or not you would
want a corporation to be a person is dependent on what you are talking about. Chappell
asked Karr to also do a search and highlight for the word 'person.' He added that this
can help them in further discussions regarding 'corporations' and those issues
surrounding it.
d. Preamble and definitions —
Charter Review Commission
October 14, 2014
Page 4
e. Commission discussion of other sections (if time allows) —
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
October 28 — Chappell asked if everyone wanted to add a make-up meeting in place of
the Veteran's Day holiday meeting that was cancelled. Shaw asked if they could change the
start time a bit. After some discussion, Members agreed that 7:45 A.M. would work, with
meetings going to 9:00 A.M. In place of the November 11 meeting, Members agreed that
Monday, November 10, at 7:45 A.M. works as a make-up meeting. Schantz noted that he will
be unable to attend the October 28 meeting.
November 10
November 25
December 9
December 23
(Commission work completed no later than April 1, 2015)
ADJOURNMENT:
Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 A.M., seconded by Shaw. Motion carried
8-0, Vanderhoef absent.
Charter Review Commission
October 14, 2014
Page 5
Charter Review Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014
TERM
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N
O
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W
a
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A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
4/1/15
X
X
O/
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Steve
E
Atkins
Andy
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chappell
Karrie
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Craig
Karen
4/1/15
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kubby
Mark
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/
X
X
X
O/
X
O/
Schantz
E
E
E
Melvin
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shaw
Anna
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/
X
X
X
X
X
Moyers
E
Stone
Adam
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sullivan
Dee
4/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/
Vanderhoef
E
Key;
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member at this time
CITY M' 1()VVA CITY
CITY F IOWA CITY M L 1A U kA N 0 �[ A JA
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
Date: October 24, 2014
To: Charter Review Commission
From: Marian K. Karr
Re: Request for information
At your last meeting you requested Staff contact other similar size cities in the state regarding
council compensation. Following is a summary of responses.
What is the current salary for the Mayor and Council Members?
Dubuque — Mayor $13,000 and Council $9,700
Sioux City — Mayor $10,000 and Council $8,500
Ames — Mayor $8,000 and Council $7,000
West Des Moines — Mayor $14,000 and Council $9,000
Davenport — Mayor $45,000 and Council $15,000
Cedar Rapids — Mayor $34,750.56 and Council $17,379.44
Iowa City — Mayor $8,070 and Council $7,072
How is Council compensation set, and reviewed?
Dubuque — It is reviewed every 4 years when the majority of the Council is up for re-election.
Each Council member provides the name of 1 citizen representative, and we arrange an
ad hoc Compensation Committee. These citizen representatives review information on
the Council's compensation history, duties, board/commission membership and
community activities. We take the Committee's recommendation to a Council meeting
where it's voted on by the Council and confirmed by ordinance. By Iowa Code
compensation must be decided before the election date. The salary change then
becomes effective January 1 following the election.
Sioux City — Compensation is set by Ordinance, reviewed by City Manager, Mayor and Council,
no specific time frame is followed.
Ames — By Resolution. A Council member will bring up the matter in a meeting, and the Council,
as a whole, will discuss.
West Des Moines — Established through City Code. The Code can be changed any time by
Council resolution.
Davenport — Ordinance
Cedar Rapids — Set by CPI review
October 24, 2014
Page 2
Are the Mayor and Council Members viewed as part time or full time employees?
Dubuque — part time
Sioux City — part time
Ames — part time
West Des Moines — part time
Davenport — Mayor — full time and Council — part time
Cedar Rapids — part time
Do you have a city charter, and if so does it address compensation?
Dubuque — Yes there is a Charter, but it does not address compensation
Sioux City — Yes there is a Charter, but it does not address compensation
Ames — Yes there is a Charter, but it does not address compensation.
West Des Moines — Yes there is a Charter, but it does not address compensation
Davenport — Yes there is a Charter, but it does not address compensation
Cedar Rapids — Yes there is a Charter and yes it addresses compensation (see below)
Section 2.05. COMPENSATION.
The city council, by ordinance, may establish the compensation of the mayor and the
other council members. The city council shall not adopt such an ordinance during the
months of November and December immediately following a regular city election.
However, the initial compensation following adoption of this charter of the eight regular
council members shall be $15,000 per year and the initial compensation of the mayor
shall be $30,000 per year, which initial compensation, unless otherwise adjusted by the
city council, shall annually be adjusted up or down by the same percentage as the
percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U, US City Average, All Items)
published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the
most recent twelve month period for which data is available. In addition to such
compensation, members of the city council, including the mayor, may be paid for actual
expenses incurred by them as allowed by law.
S/chartcrrcvicw/compensation
TABLE OF INCOME GUIDELINES AND DEFINITIONS FOR IOWA CITY
Effective March 15, 2013
Household
Size
30% Median Income
(Poverty Level)
50% Median
Income
60% Median
Income
80% Median Income
(low income)
Median
Income
1
$16,700
$27,850
$33,420
$44,550
$55,700
2
19,100
31,800
38,160
50,900
63,600
3
21,500
35,800
42,960
57,250
71,600
4
23,850
39,750
47,700
63,600
79,500
5
25,800
42,950
51,540
68,700
85,900
6
27,700
46,150
55,380
73,800
92,300
7
29,600
49,300
59,160
78,900
98,600
8
31,500
52,500
63,000
84,000
105,000
ATTACHMENT TO APPLICATION FOR THE
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IS
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE GROUP(S) WHICH IT SERVES, PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU
ARE A MEMBER OF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
Lower Income (see table) F-1 Receive Rental Housing
Assistance
Your response is voluntary, and you may wish instead to elaborate on or indicate areas in which
you can make a special contribution to the Commission in another section of this form.
When possible, Council will appoint a person or persons with expertise in construction, finance and/or
a person receiving rental assistance.
If you have expertise in construction or finance, please describe your experience and/or training.
HCDC Application
January 2014 page 4 of 8
PAGE 1
2014-15 REVIEW
PREAMBLE
The citizens of Iowa City, Iowa, by virtue of the enactment of this charter, adopt the
following principles:
1. That the government of Iowa City belongs to all its citizens and all share the
responsibility for it.
2. That the government of Iowa City is a service institution, responsive and accountable
to its citizens.
3. That city officials should be accessible to the people and have an affirmative
obligation to secure for each person equality of opportunity as well as due process and
equal protection of law.
4. That each citizen has a right to obtain fair, equal, and courteous treatment from each
city official and employee.
5. That the city should perform all acts and take all measures necessary and desirable to
promote the general health, safety and welfare of its residents, to encourage the
participation of its citizens in policy formation and to secure the full benefits of "home
rule." (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
DEFINITIONS
As used in this charter:
1. "City" means the city of Iowa City, Iowa.
2. "City council' or "council' means the governing body of the city.
3. "Councilmember" means a member of the council, including the mayor.
4. "Shall' imposes a duty.
5. "Must" states a requirement.
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2014-15 REVIEW
6. "May" confers a power.
7. "Eligible elector" means a person eligible to register to vote in Iowa City.
8. "Qualified elector" means a resident of Iowa City who is registered to vote in Iowa
City.
9. 'Board" includes a board, commission, committee or other similar entity however
designated.
10. "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association,
political party, committee or any other legal entity.
11. "Ordinance" means a city law of a general and permanent nature.
12. "Measure", except as provided in article VII, means an ordinance, amendment,
resolution or motion. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976; amd. Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985; Ord, 05-
4152, 3-1-2005)
ARTICLE I. POWERS OF THE CITY
Section 1.01. Powers Of The City.
The city has all powers possible under the constitution and laws of this state. (Ord. 76-
2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 1.02. Construction.
The grant of power to the city under this charter is intended to be broad; the mention of
a specific power in this charter is not intended to be a limitation on the general powers
conferred in this article. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 1.03.Savings Clause.
If any provision of this charter, or the application of this charter to any person or
circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or
applications of this charter. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
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2014-15 REVIEW
ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL
Section 2.01. Composition.
The city council consists of seven members. As provided in article III, four, to be known
as councilmembers at large, are to be nominated by eligible electors of the city at large,
and three, to be known as district councilmembers, are to be nominated by eligible
electors of their respective districts. All councilmembers shall be elected by the qualified
electors of the city at large. (Ord. 85-3273, 12-17-1985)
Section 2.02. Division Into Council Districts.
The council, by ordinance, shall divide the city into three council districts of substantially
equal population. These districts are to be designated as council district A, council
district B, and council district C. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.03. Eligibility.
To be eligible to be elected to and to retain a council position, a person must be an
eligible elector of Iowa City, and if seeking or elected to represent a council district,
must be an eligible elector of that council district. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 2.04. Terms.
At the first election under this charter, all seven councilmembers are to be elected; the
councilmember from council district A, council district C, and the two councilmembers
at large who receive the greatest number of votes cast for councilmember at large are
to serve for terms of four years, and other councilmembers are to serve for terms of
two years. Commencing at the next regular city election, and at all subsequent regular
city elections, all councilmembers elected to fill the positions of those whose terms
expire shall be elected for terms of four years. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.05, Compensation.
The council, by ordinance, shall prescribe the compensation of the mayor and the other
council members. The council shall not adopt such an ordinance during the months of
November and December immediately following a regular city election. (Ord. 05-4152,
3-1-2005)
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2014-15 REVIEW
Section 2.06. Mayor.
A. Immediately following the beginning of the terms of councilmembers elected at the
regular city election, the council shall meet and elect from among its members the
mayor and mayor pro tern for a term of two years. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
B. The mayor is a voting member of the council, the official representative of the city,
presiding officer of the council and its policy spokesperson. The mayor shall present to
the city no later than February 28 an annual state of the city message. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-
28-1995)
C. The mayor pro tern shall act as mayor during the absence of the mayor. (Ord. 85-
3227,3-12-1985)
Section 2.07. General Powers And Duties.
All powers of the city are vested in the council, except as otherwise provided by state
law or this charter. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 2.08. Appointments.
A, The council shall appoint the city manager.
B. The council shall appoint the city clerk. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
C. The council shall appoint the city attorney. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-1995)
D. The council shall appoint all members of the city's boards, except as otherwise
provided by state law. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
E. The council shall fix the amount of compensation, if any, of persons it appoints and
shall provide for the method of compensation of other city employees. All appointments
and promotions of city employees by city council and city manager must be made
according to job -related criteria and be consistent with nondiscriminatory and equal
employment opportunity standards established pursuant to law. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-
1995)
Section 2.09. Rules; Records.
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2014-15 REVIEW
The council may determine its own rules and shall maintain records of its proceedings
consistent with state law. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.10. Vacancies.
The council shall fill a vacancy occurring in an elective city office as provided by state
law. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.11. Council Action.
Passage of an ordinance, amendment or resolution requires a majority vote of all the
members of the council except as otherwise provided by state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-
2005)
Section 2.12. Prohibitions.
A. A councilmember may not hold any other city office or be a city employee or elected
county official while serving on the council nor hold any remunerated city office or
employment for at least one year after leaving the council. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
B. With the exception of the appointment of the chief of the police department and
chief of the fire department, which are subject to approval of the city council, neither
the council nor its members may dictate, in any manner, the appointment or removal of
any person appointed by the city manager. However, the council may express its views
to the city manager pertaining to the appointment or removal of such employee. (Ord.
05-4152, 3-1-2005)
C. A councilmember may not interfere with the supervision or direction of any person
appointed by or under the control of the city manager. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE III. NOMINATION, PRIMARY ELECTION AND
REGULAR ELECTION
Section 3.01. Nomination.
A. An eligible elector of a council district may become a candidate for a council district
seat by filing with the city clerk a valid petition requesting that his or her name be
placed on the ballot for that office. The petition must be filed not more than sixty-five
(65) days nor less than forty (40) days before the date of the election and must be
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2014-15 REVIEW
signed by eligible electors from the candidate's district equal in number to at least two
(2) percent of those who voted to fill the same office at the last regular city election, but
not less than ten (10) persons. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B. An eligible elector of the city may become a candidate for an at -large council seat by
filing with the city clerk a petition requesting that the candidate's name be placed on
the ballot for that office. The petition must be filed not more than sixty-five (65) days
nor less than forty (40) days before the date of the election and must be signed by
eligible electors equal in number to at least two (2) percent of those who voted to fill
the same office at the last regular city election, but not less than ten (10) persons. (Ord.
85-3227,3-12-1985)
Section 3.02. Primary Election.
A. If there are more than two candidates for a council district seat, a primary election
must be held for that seat with only the qualified electors of that council district eligible
to vote. The names of the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in
the primary election are to be placed on the ballot for the regular city election as
candidates for that council seat. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B. If there are more than twice as many candidates as there are at large positions to be
filled, there shall be a primary election held unless the council, by ordinance, chooses to
have a run -off -election. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 3.03. Regular City Election.
A. In the regular city election, each council district seat up for election shall be listed
separately on the ballot and only the names of candidates nominated from that council
district shall be listed on the ballot as candidates for that seat. However, all qualified
electors of the city shall be entitled to vote for each candidate. The three council district
seats shall be designated on the ballot as council district A, council district B and council
district C and each shall be elected at large.
B. The at large council seats shall be designated on the ballot as such. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-
12-1985)
ARTICLE IV. CITY MANAGER
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2014-15 REVIEW
Section 4.01. Appointment; Qualifications.
In appointing a city manager, the council shall consider only the qualifications and
fitness of the person without regard to political or other affiliation. During his or her
tenure the city manager shall reside within the city. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.02. Accountability; Removal.
A. The city manager is under the direction and supervision of the council and holds
office at its pleasure. unless otherwise provided by contract, a city manager removed by
the council is entitled to receive termination pay of not less than two months' salary,
computed from the date of the resolution of removal.
B. Upon the resignation or removal of the city manager, the council shall appoint an
individual qualified to perform the duties of city manager to serve at the pleasure of
council or until a city manager is appointed. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.03. Absence; Disability Of City Manager.
The city manager may designate a qualified city employee as acting city manager to
perform his or her duties during a temporary absence or disability. If the city manager
does not make such a designation, the council shall appoint a qualified city employee to
perform the duties of the city manager until he or she returns. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.04. Duties Of City Manager.
A. The city manager shall be chief administrative officer of the city and shall
(1)Insure that the laws of the city are executed and enforced.
(2)Supervise and direct the administration of city government and the official conduct of
employees of the city appointed by the city manager including their employment,
training, reclassification, suspension or discharge as the occasion requires, subject to
state law.
(3)Appoint the chief of the police department and the chief of the fire department with
the approval of the city council.
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(4)Supervise the chief of the police department and chief of the fire department,
including their suspension or discharge as the occasion requires. Such supervision shall
not be subject to approval of the city council.
(5)Appoint or employ persons to occupy positions for which no other method of
appointment is provided by state law or this charter.
(6)Supervise the administration of the city personnel system, including the
determination of the compensation of all city employees appointed by the city manager
subject to state law or this charter.
(7)Supervise the performance of all contracts for work to be done for the city, supervise
all purchases of materials and supplies, and assure that such materials and supplies are
received and are of specified quality and character.
(8)Supervise and manage all public improvements, works and undertakings of the city,
and all city -owned property including buildings, plants, systems, and enterprises, and
have charge of their construction, improvement, repair and maintenance except where
otherwise provided by state law.
(9)Supervise the making and preservation of all surveys, maps, plans, drawings,
specifications and estimates for the city.
(10)Provide for the issuance and revocation of licenses and permits authorized by state
law or city ordinance and cause a record thereof to be maintained.
(11)Prepare and submit to the council the annual budgets in the form prescribed by
state law.
(12)Provide the council an itemized written monthly financial report
(13)Attend council meetings and keep the council fully advised of the financial and other
conditions of the city and its needs.
(14)See that the business affairs of the city are transacted in an efficient manner and
that accurate records of all city business are maintained and made available to the
public, except as otherwise provided by state law.
15)Provide necessary and reasonable clerical, research and professional assistance to
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boards within limitations of the budget.
(16)Perform such other and further duties as the council may direct. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-
2005)
B. The city manager, in performing the foregoing duties, may:
(1)Present recommendations and programs to the council and participate in any
discussion by the council of any matters pertaining to the duties of the city manager.
(2)Cause the examination and investigation of the affairs of any department or the
conduct of any employee under supervision of the city manager.
(3)Execute contracts on behalf of the city when authorized by the council. (Ord. 85-
3227,3-12-1985)
Section 4.05. Ineligibility; Prohibited Acts.
Except for the exercise of the right to vote, the city manager shall not take part in any
election of councilmembers. This prohibition shall in no way limit the city manager's
duty to make available public records as provided by state law or this charter. (Ord. 76-
2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE V. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
Section 5.01. Establishment.
A. With the exception of the citizens police ruiaens review board, the council may
establish boards in addition to those required by state law and shall specify the title,
duties, length of term, qualifications of members and other appropriate matters. The
council may reduce or increase a board's duties, transfer duties from one board to
another or dissolve any board, except as otherwise provided by state law or this charter.
B.--A,There shall be a permanent citizens police eitizens review board, which shall have
vested in it the following minimum powers:
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1. To hold at least one community forum each year for the purpose of hearing sitize+is'
views on the policies, practices, and procedures of the Iowa City police department, and
to make recommendations regarding such policies, practices, and procedures to the city
council;
2. To investigate citizen claims of misconduct by sworn police officers and to issue
independent reports of its findings to the city council; and
3. The authority to subpoena witnesses. (Res. 07-262, 8-31-2007)
Section 5.02. Appointment; Removal.
The council shall, subject to the requirements of state law, seek to provide broad
representation on all boards. The council shall establish procedures to give at least thirty
days' notice of vacancies before they are filled and shall encourage applications by
citizens. Council procedures for the removal of members shall be consistent with state
law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 5.03. Rules.
A. The council shall establish rules and procedures for the operation of all boards, which
must include but are not limited to, the adoption of by-laws and rules pertaining to
open meetings and open records. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B. The council shall specify, for each board, methods for informal and formal
communication with council, time schedules for the completion of reports requested by
council and such rules as it deems appropriate.
C. A board may establish additional rules and procedures that are consistent with state
law, council rules, and this charter. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE VI. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
AND EXPENDITURES
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Section 6.01. Limitations On The Amount Of Campaign Contributions.
The council, by ordinance, shall prescribe limitations on the amount of campaign
contributions made to a candidate for election to council by a person as defined in this
charter. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-1995)
Section 6.02. Disclosure Of Contributions And Expenditures.
The council, by ordinance, may prescribe procedures requiring the disclosure of the
amount, source and kind of contributions received and expenditures made by (1) each
candidate for election to council and (2) any and all other persons, for the purpose of
aiding or securing the candidate's nomination or election. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 6.03. Definition.
Within this article "contribution" shall be defined as that term is defined in chapter 68A
("campaign finance") of the code of Iowa. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 6.04. Violations.
The council, by ordinance, shall prescribe: (1) penalties for the violation of the
contribution limitations and disclosure requirements it establishes pursuant to this
section; and (2) when appropriate, conditions for the revocation of a candidate's right to
serve on council if elected, consistent with state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
ARTICLE VII. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Section 7.01. General Provisions.
A. Authority.
(1)lnitiative. The qualified electors have the right to propose measures to the council
and, if the council fails to adopt a measure so proposed without any change in
substance, to have the measure submitted to the voters at an election.
(2)Referendum. The qualified electors have the right to require reconsideration by the
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council of an existing measure and, if the council fails to repeal such measure, to have it
submitted to the voters at an election.
(3)Definition. Within this article, "measure" means all ordinances, amendments,
resolutions or motions of a legislative nature, however designated, which (a) are of a
permanent rather than temporary character and (b) include a proposition enacting,
amending or repealing a new or existing law, policy or plan, as opposed to one providing
for the execution or administration of a law, policy or plan already enacted by council.
B. Limitations.
(1)Subject Matter. The right of initiative and referendum shall not extend to any of the
following:
(a) Any measure of an executive or administrative nature.
(b) The city budget.
(c) The appropriation of money.
(d) The levy of taxes or special assessments.
(e) The issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds.
(f) The letting of contracts.
(g) Salaries of city employees.
(h) Any measure required to be enacted by state or federal law.
(i) Amendments to this charter.
(j) Amendments affecting the city zoning ordinance or the land use maps of the
comprehensive plan, including the district plan maps.
(k) Public improvements subsequent to city council action to authorize acquisition of
property for that public improvement, or notice to bidders for that public improvement,
whichever occurs earlier. "Public improvement" shall mean any building or construction
work.
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(2)Resubmission. No initiative or referendum petition shall be filed within two years
after the same measure or a measure substantially the same has been submitted to the
voters at an election.
(3)Council Repeal, Amendment And Reenactment. No measure proposed by initiative
petition and adopted by the vote of the council without submission to the voters, or
adopted by the voters pursuant to this article, may for two years thereafter be repealed
or amended except by a vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the
original initiative measure. No measure referred by referendum petition and repealed
by the vote of the council without submission to the voters, or repealed by the voters
pursuant to this article, may be reenacted for two years thereafter except by vote of the
people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original referendum petition.
C. Construction.
(1)Scope Of Power. It is intended that this article confer broad initiative and referendum
powers upon the qualified electors of the city.
(2)Initiative. It is intended that (a) no initiative petition will be invalid because it repeals
an existing measure in whole or in part by virtue of proposing a new measure and (b) an
initiative petition may amend an existing measure.
(3)Referendum. It is intended that a referendum petition may repeal a measure in
whole or in part.
D. Effect Of Filing Petition. The filing of an initiative or referendum petition does not
suspend or invalidate any measure under consideration. Such measure shall remain in
full force and effect until its amendment or repeal by council pursuant to section 7.05A
or until a majority of the qualified electors voting on a measure vote to repeal or amend
the measure and the vote is certified.
E. City Obligations. An initiative or referendum vote which repeals an existing measure
in whole or in part does not affect any obligations entered into by the city, its agencies
or any person in reliance on the measure during the time it was in effect. (Ord. 05-4152,
3-1-2005)
Section 7.02, Commencement Of Proceedings; Affidavit.
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A. Commencement. One or more qualified electors, hereinafter referred to as the
"petitioners," may commence initiative or referendum proceedings by filing with the
city clerk an affidavit stating they will supervise the circulation of the petition and will be
responsible for filing it in proper form, stating their names and addresses and specifying
the address to which all relevant notices are to be sent, and setting out in full the
proposed initiative measure or citing the measure sought to be reconsidered.
B. Affidavit. The city clerk shall accept the affidavit for filing if on its face it appears to
have signatures of one or more qualified electors. The city clerk shall issue the
appropriate petition forms to the petitioners the same day the affidavit is accepted for
filing. The city clerk shall cause to be prepared and have available to the public, forms
and affidavits suitable for the commencement of proceedings and the preparation of
initiative and referendum petitions. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 7.03. Petitions; Revocation Of Signatures.
A. Number Of Signatures. Initiative and referendum petitions must be signed by
qualified electors equal in number to at least twenty-five percent of the number of
persons who voted in the last regular city election, but such signatures shall be no fewer
than two thousand five hundred qualified electors. Any petition that does not, on its
face, contain the minimum required signatures defined herein shall be deemed
insufficient for filing under this article, and no supplementary petition shall be
permitted. (Ord. 90-3462, 6-26-1990)
B. Form And Content. All papers of a petition prepared for filing must be substantially
uniform in size and style and must be assembled as one instrument. Each person signing
shall provide, and the petition form shall provide space for, the signature, printed name,
address of the person signing and the date the signature is executed. The form shall also
provide space for the signer's birthdate, but a failure to enter a birthdate shall not
invalidate a signer's signature. Petitions prepared for circulation must contain or have
attached thereto throughout their circulation the full text of the measure proposed or
sought to be reconsidered. The petition filed with the city clerk need have attached to it
only one copy of the measure being proposed or referred.
C. Affidavit Of Circulator. Each paper of a petition containing signatures must have
attached to it when filed an affidavit executed by a qualified elector certifying: the
number of signatures on the paper, that he or she personally circulated it, that all
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signatures were affixed in his or her presence, that he or she believes them to be
genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be and that each signer
had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the measure proposed or
sought to be reconsidered. Any person filing a false affidavit will be liable to criminal
penalties as provided by state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
D. Time For Filing Initiative Petitions. Signatures on an initiative petition must be
secured and the petition filed within six months after the date the affidavit required
under section 7.02A was filed. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
E. Time For Filing Referendum Petitions. Referendum petitions may be filed within sixty
days after final adoption by the council of the measure sought to be reconsidered, or
subsequently at any time more than two years after such final adoption. The signatures
on a referendum petition must be secured during the sixty days after such final
adoption; however, if the petition is filed more than two years after final adoption, the
signatures must be secured within six months after the date the affidavit required under
section 7.02A was filed. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
F. Revocation Of Signature. Prior to the time a petition is filed with the city clerk, a
signatory may revoke his or her signature for any reason by filing with the city clerk a
statement of his or her intent to revoke his or her signature. After a petition is filed a
signatory may not revoke his or her signature. The city clerk shall cause to be prepared
and have available to the public, forms suitable for the revocation of petition signatures.
(Ord.85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 7.04. Procedure After Filing.
A. Certificate Of City Clerk; Amendment. Within twenty days after a petition is filed
which contains the minimum required signatures, as set forth in section 7.03.A above,
the city clerk shall complete a certificate as to the petition's sufficiency. If the petition is
insufficient, the clerk's certificate shall specify the particulars wherein the petition is
defective. The clerk shall also promptly send a copy of the certificate to the petitioners
by registered mail. A petition certified insufficient may be amended once, provided,
however, that one or more of the original petitioners files a notice of intention to
amend the original petition. Such notice must be filed with the city clerk within two days
after receiving a copy of the certificate, and the petitioner also must file a
supplementary petition upon additional papers within fifteen days after receiving a copy
of such certificate. Such supplementary petition shall comply with the requirements of
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NIM Fyl;NTMA49
subsections B and C of section 7.03. Within fifteen days after a supplementary petition is
filed, the city clerk shall complete a certificate as to the sufficiency of the petition, as
amended and supplemented, and shall promptly send a copy of such certificate to the
petitioners by registered mail, as in the case of an original petition. If a petition or
amended petition is certified sufficient, or if the petition or amended petition is certified
insufficient and one or more of the petitioners do not request council review under
subsection B of this section within the time prescribed, the city clerk shall promptly
present the certificate to the council.
B. Council Review. If a petition has been certified insufficient by the city clerk and one or
more of the petitioners do not file notice of intention to amend it, or if an amended
petition has been certified insufficient by the city clerk, one or more of the petitioners
may, within two days after receiving a copy of such certificate, file with the city clerk a
request that it be reviewed by the council. The council shall review the certificate at its
next meeting following the filing of such a request, but not later than thirty days after
the filing of the request for review, and shall rule upon the sufficiency of the petition.
C. Court Review. To the extent allowed by law, court review of the council's actions shall
be by writ of certiorari. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
D. Validity Of Signatures. A petition shall be deemed sufficient for the purposes of this
article if it contains valid signatures in the number prescribed by section 7.03 and is
timely filed, even though the petition may contain one or more invalid signatures. A
signature shall be deemed valid unless it is not the genuine signature of the qualified
elector whose name it purports to be, or it was not voluntarily and knowingly executed.
A valid signature need not be in the identical form in which the qualified elector's name
appears on the voting rolls, nor may a signature be deemed invalid because the address
accompanying the name on the petition is different from the address for the same name
on the current voting rolls if the qualified elector's birth date is provided and is shown
on the voting rolls. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-1995)
Section 7.05. Action On Petitions.
A. Action By Council. When an initiative or referendum petition has been determined
sufficient, the council shall promptly consider the proposed initiative measure or
reconsider the referred measure. If the council fails to adopt a proposed initiative
measure and fails to adopt a measure which is similar in substance within sixty days, or
if the council fails to repeal the referred measure within thirty days after the date the
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petition was finally determined sufficient, it shall submit the proposed or referred
measure to the qualified electors of the city as hereinafter prescribed. If at anytime
more than thirty days before a scheduled initiative or referendum election the council
adopts the proposed initiative measure or adopts a measure which is similar in
substance or if the council repeals a referred measure, the initiative or referendum
proceedings shall terminate and the proposed or referred measure shall not be
submitted to the voters.
B. Submission To Voters.
(1) Initiative. The vote of the city on a proposed measure shall be held at the regular city
election or at the general election which next occurs more than forty days after the
expiration of the sixty day period provided for consideration in section 7.05A, provided
that the initiative petition was filed no less than 110 days prior to the deadline imposed
by state law for the submission of ballot questions to the commissioner of elections.
(2) Referendum. The vote of the city on a referred measure shall be held at the regular
city election or at the general election which next occurs more than forty days after the
expiration of the thirty day period provided for reconsideration in section 7.05A,
provided that the referendum petition was filed no less than 80 days prior to the
deadline imposed by state law for the submission of ballot questions to the
commissioner of elections. The council may provide for a special referendum election on
a referred measure any time more than 120 days after the filing of the referendum
petition with the city clerk.
C. Ballot. Copies of the proposed or referred measure shall be made available to the
qualified electors at the polls and shall be advertised at the city's expense in the manner
required for "questions" in section 376.5 of the Iowa Code. The subject matter and
purpose of the referred or proposed measure shall be indicated on the ballot. (Ord. 05-
4152,3-1-2005)
Section 7.06. Results Of Election.
A. Initiative. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative
measure vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the
election results. The adopted measure shall be treated in all respects in the same
manner as measures of the same kind adopted by the council, except as provided in
section 7.016(3). If conflicting measures are approved by majority vote at the same
election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the
extent of such conflict.
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tlIIlE,5&1HXTJIXTAA
B. Referendum. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a referred measure vote
in favor of repealing the measure, it shall be considered repealed upon certification of
the election results. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 7.07. Prohibition On Establishment Of Stricter Conditions Or Requirements.
The council may not set, except by charter amendment, conditions or requirements
affecting initiative and referendum which are higher eF meFe stringent than those
imposed by this charter. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE VIII. CHARTER AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW
Section 8.01. Charter Amendments.
This charter may be amended only by one of the following methods:
A. The council, by resolution, may submit a proposed amendment to the voters at a
special city election, and the proposed amendment becomes effective when approved
by a majority of those voting.
B. The council, by ordinance, may amend the charter. However, within thirty (30) days
of publication of the ordinance, if a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4
of the code of Iowa is filed with the council, the council must submit the amending
ordinance to the voters at a special city election, and the amendment does not become
effective until approved by a majority of those voting.
C. If a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4 of the code of Iowa is filed
with the council proposing an amendment to the charter, the council must submit the
proposed amendment to the voters at a special city election, and the amendment
becomes effective if approved by a majority of those voting. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 8.02. Charter Review Commission.
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The council, using the procedures prescribed in article V, shall establish a charter review
commission at least once every ten years following the effective date of this charter.
The commission, consisting of at least nine members, shall review the existing charter
and may, within twelve months recommend any charter amendments that it deems fit
to the council. The council shall either exercise its power of amendment pursuant to
section 8.018 of the charter on a matter recommended by the commission or submit
such amendments to the voters in the form prescribed by the commission, and an
amendment becomes effective when approved by a majority of those voting. (Ord. 05-
4152, 3-1-2005)
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE
The home rule charter is set out in this volume as adopted by the voters on November
15, 1973, and by ordinance 76-2792, on January 2, 1976. The following table shows the
disposition of amendments to the charter:
Ordinance
Number DateDisposition
77-2826 3-15-1977 6.01
77-2858 9-6-1977 7.05E
77-2864 9-6-1977 3.01
85-3227 3-12-1985 Definitions 7,8, 2.01, 2.03, 2.05_2.08, 3.013.03, 4.04, 5.02, 6.04,
7.01_7.05, 8.01, 8.02
85-3228 3-12-1985 6.02
85-3273 12-17-1985 2.01
90-3462 6-26-1990 7.03A,7.04A
95-36713-28-1995 2.0661 2.08C,E, 3.01A, 6.01, 7.04D
05-4152 3-1-2005 Definitions 11,12, 2.03, 2.05, 2.11, 2.12B, 3.01A, 3.02A, 4.04A, 5.02,
5.03A, 6.02, 6.03, 6.04, 7.01, 7.02, 7.03B,C,E, 7.04A,B,C, 7.05, 7.06, 8.01, 8.02
Res. 07-262 8-31-2007 5.01
Footnote 1: The home rule charter of the city, adopted by the voters of the city on
November 15, 1973, and by ordinance 76-2792 on January 2, 1976, pursuant to I.C.A.
section 372.9, is set out herein as adopted and amended.