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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-08-11 Bd Comm minutes40 MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION JUNE 15, 1987 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jack Bock, Bill Coen, Lorraine Dorfman, Fred Goss, Geri Hall, Jean Hood, Mike Kattchee, Ruth Wagner, Dorothy Whipple STAFF PRESENT: Bette Meisel, Joyce Phelps GUESTS PRESENT: Milo Pecina and Margaret Lenihan, Council of Elders MINUTES/PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Kattchee called the meeting to order at 3 PM. Coen moved and Bock seconded that the minutes be approved as received. Motion carried, all ayes. Milo Pecina introduced Margaret Lenihan. There was no public discussion. COUNCIL OF ELDERS REPORT: Pecina 'reported that Older Americans' Day was a success, and that all the feedback had been positive. Pecina said that Bart Bernardini had been appointed to complete Pauline Wright's unexpired term on the Council. He said the Council felt the need of a treasurer and with a change in the by-laws, one could be appointed. Pecina said the new officers would be elected in July. The three Council of Elders members who were reelected were: June Pieper, Leo Cain, and Nic McCleery. Newly elected members are: Rosemary Spears, Jackie Hess, Iva Hilleman, Wendell Thomas, and Charles Wagner. He said the suggestion had been made to enlist some younger people to help put up and take down tables for other events, as it was too hard for some of the Council to do this. Pecina said there had been complaints about the children of Mike Foster, Con- gregate Meals director. On the weekends when the children were at the Center, they are not being supervised adequately and therefore, upset many of the senior citizens who come to the Center for meals, etc. Meisel said she had spoken to Mike Foster, and he said that he would handle the problem. Goss said if the situation continues, maybe a letter to the Board of Supervisors would be in order. Pecina said the Council had discussed contacting new retirees to inform them about the opportunities at the Senior Center. Goss inquired how they planned to find out about new retirees as in his experience working with NARFE, neither o' the Post Office nor the Veterans Administration would release this information. There was a general discussion on how to learn who these retirees are. Coen suggested contacting the unions. Hood suggested that companies would be willing to hand out written material to their employees who are nearing retirement at • //Of Senior Center Commission June 15, 1987 Page 2 their pre -retirement seminars. Hall said more, and more companies and the University have pre -retirement planning seminars, and this would be an appro- priate forum for sharing the information about the Center. Pecina told the Commission that he was leaving the Council of Elders and would not be coming to any more of their meetings. Kattchee and others expressed their best wishes for Pecina. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE: Hood commented positively on the Head to Toe Screening Report. Meisel said this program was one of the most useful programs offered by the Senior Center and that Lori Benz had heard from other counties asking if she and her volun- teers could do this in their counties. Benz explained to them that it was not possible, because we do not have the staff or the resources to do outreach out of the county. Meisel passed around a thank you note written by June Pieper thanking the Commission for the opportunity to attend the Governor's Conference on Aging. She also circulated a letter from Governor Bruce Babbitt, Democratic Presiden- tial Candidate, who had visited the Senior Center. Meisel said that Iva Hilieman, a new POST volunteer, had researched all about Babbitt and his posi- tions on the issues affecting the elderly prior to interviewing him while he was at the Center. Senior Center policy has been to publish information about a presidential candidate if he/she visits the Senior Center and is interviewed by a Senior Center POST reporter. Kattchee questioned the policy and suggested Meisel and Hall develop a policy on all candidate interviews, not just presidential candidates. There was gen- erai3iscussion as to who should be included, such as all "political figures" being included rather than making it a narrow policy just including candidates. Hall moved and Goss seconded the motion to develop a policy on political candi- dates' interviews at the Senior Center to present to the Commission at their next meeting. Motion carried, all ayes. Meisel handed out copies of Senior News and Views, printed in Dubuque, in order that the Commission could contrast Aaf was printed from other Senior Centers with the report from our Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center. She said she also sends articles to the Activity Line, a Teleconnect service. Meisel reported that The Advertiser, at Susan Rogusky's suggestion, had started a page called Senioro w c ncluded an article of interest to the elderly surrounded by a ver s ng of products and services targeted at the elderly. The Advertiser had called to say that no one had used this free space except the Senior Center so they have discontinued what was a good opportunity for other agencies to reach the elderly and also to inform the public about their services. Meisel said that Rogusky had informed the Organization of Service Providers about this opportunity. Senior Center Commission June 15, 1987 Page 3 Meisel said that she had completed ordering books for the Center's Aging Li- brary, Money left over from the WEIGHT WISE Program was used to purchase sev- eral books on healthy eating with menus which list content and calories, etc. NUTRITION ADVISORY BOARD REPLY: Kattchee said this item had been discussed by the Executive Board, and essen- tially their recommendation is not to appoint a committee. Wagner said she felt that the letter which had been received from the Nutrition Advisory Board was concerned mainly with the Congregate Meals/Senior Center relationship. She felt the problem with Congregate Meals volunteers' dissatis- SeniornCenter�plaque lratherftheninotabeingeincludedtat the pbanquet oShenfthe if any changes were made that any other_volunteer recognition arrangement other than the banquet should include all the agencies in the building. After a lengthy general discussion covering the pros and cons of Commission theoconsensusitof Ctherdiscussionswasdthat appointing the thercae5cowho usemmittee asl p reethe forrequast by the motion to set rupian agenda on ritem afor rd a fall mes not etingrooft the Organizationkof Service Providers in which agencies who serve the elderly and use older volun- teers, will report backitoetheriences in Comnissionronrthelmeeting. GossnmovedoandtHall seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. Kattchee said that he would write a letter to Robert Welsh indicating the decision reached by the Senior Center Commission. CONTRACT REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT: Meisel said the committee had reviewed the contracts. She hand delivered the SEATS and Congregate Meals contracts to the county. This item will be on the June 30 City Council agenda. Meisel explained that we would be giving the SEATS director and Adult Day Program director office space. The committee proposed that rather than go through this annual review, it would save time and money if these contracts could be renewed automatically every year unless the renewing parties take an exception to any item in the contract. If an excep- tion is taken, the party should notify the Commission in writing 90 days prior to the expiration date of the contract. Goss moved and Dorfman seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. Goss said that the contract stipulates that agencies will give the Commission o' certain reports (annual report, unduplicated count, unmet needs requested by clients, equipment report) which they are not now doing. He feels that items should not be in the contract if theyare not enforced. He feels the Commission should push for a report, and requests this as an amendment to the contract. Goss moved for renewal of contracts as amended with Elderly Services Agency, SEATS, Congregate Meals, Adult Day Program, AARP, and Visiting Nurses Associa- tion (a letter of agreement) for FY88. Bock seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. r NO Senior Center Commission June 15, 1987 Page 4 Hall moved that when the notification of the new amendment goes out to the service providers, a letter accompany this notice saying the amendment would be enforced in lieu of a contract review. Goss seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. EVALUATION COMMITTEE REPORT: Kattchee said the evaluation committee met together one hour prior to meeting with the City Manager to discuss the performance of the Senior Center Coordina- tor. The committee agreed that it was the responsibility of the City Manager to do the evaluation, therefore, the committee did not make written recommenda- tions. Instead, the committee met with the City Manager, Steve Atkins for 45 minutes and answered questions which Atkins had previously prepared for the meeting. Dorfman said that any kind of informal input which was not written down by parties contributing the information made her nervous. She felt that informal or formal information should be in writing so that all information is included. She said that if a person is willing to say something, he or she should be wiling to sign it and stand by it. Dorfman said she felt the entire Commission should have input, though she was less concerned about the subcommittee than she was about the information not being in written form. Dorfman emphasized that any information relayed orally might later be misinterpreted and she still felt that formal or informal evaluations should be in writing. She wanted to know what the Commission's role was, and if there was a written mandate somewhere stating the Commission's role. Meisel said that the Ordinance 79-2947, Section 25-63, 11 listed a duty/power of the Commission as "To assist City Manager in evaluation of personnel". Thus, the Commission had asked the previous City Manager if they could contrib- ute to the evaluation process and had done so in the past. Kattchee explained that in the format that was used this year it was exaggerat- ing its importance to call it an evaluation. Kattchee said it was an "assis- tance", and that the City Manager merely used their input as a tool. Hall said she agreed in principle with Dorfman, but in practice, this was easier. She said critics and others make their feelings known to the City Manager on a regular basis. Hall said in essence the evaluation is an ongoing process, and basically, Atkins was collecting data for his evaluation process. Hall asked Dorfman if she wanted to make a motion about the evaluation process. Dorfman declined for the present and said she felt it was premature as she did not know what was requested by the City Manager, but as a matter of principle, evaluations are bytheirvery nature formal, and as such should be written with a minority report included if needed for dissenting voices. Goss suggested asking the City Manager what he wants from the Commission re- garding the Senior Center Coordinator evaluation. Senior Center Commission June 15, 1987 Page 5 Hall moved that next year prior to evaluation the Senior Center Commission check with the City Manager to see if and how he would like the Commission to assist in the evaluation of the Senior Center Coordinator. Coen seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. ENFORCEMENT OF PARKING REGULATIONS: Kattchee said that the key word is staff and that should be interpreted as any persons paid in money. Hall moved that the sentence, "Staff constitutes the People working in the Senior Center building for wages", be inserted into paragraph 8.71 after the word "Lot" prior to the final sentence in the section. (See attached.) This revised paragraph would go into the revised operational handbook. i Hood seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. OPEN DISCUSSION: There was general discussion centering around a Geriatric Seminar held recently at which Hall taught and Coen participated on a panel. There was also discus- sion on future agenda items for July, namely goals and objectives for the Senior Center Commission. Kattchee congratulated Geri Hall for her recent achievements. She was given the Finkbine award for Outstanding Student Leadership. Meisel said that Hall, on her comprehensive exams for her Master's in Nursing, was the only student to receive highest honors. The Commission congratulated Hall on her accomplish- ments. Meisel said she would report on the NCOA conference at the next meeting. Kattchee said at the next meeting also, Senior Center Commission goals and objectives would be on the agenda. The meeting adjourned at 5 PM. Approved by Ruth Wagner, Senior Center Commission Secretary Prepared by Joyce Phelps, Senior Center Secretary .o• //it .Y' APPROM MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987 - 6:30 P.M. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Champion, Horowitz, Kern, Nowysz, Sierk, VanderWoude, Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Franklin, Lazenby CALL TO ORDER: Nowysz called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF APRIL 8,-1987: Horowitz moved to approve the minutes of April 8, 1987. Sierk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1987: Nowysi requested that the end of line three of the paragraph concerning the approval of minutes of April 16, 1987, should read "and had" instead of "who." She also requested that the last lines of the last paragraph on the first page should read, It was also noted that the tour could include four homes with two alternates and the guests could spend up to one and a half to two hours on the tour. Nowysz stated that the Homes Tour would be a source for fund-raising. Sierk stated that the second paragraph on page four, line four, should read, "Bonnie 'Sierk" and not "Connie." Nowysz requested that in the last paragraph on page three at the end of the second sentence "and not use treated wood" be stricken from the re- cord. Horowitz moved to approve the minutes of May 13, 1987, as corrected. Kern seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Beth Collison informed the Commission that she would be moving to Califor- nia for three months this summer and possibly longer. She stated that Brenda Bain is interested in her position as Chair of the Homes Tour Committee. Nowysz suggested the idea of having a Co -Chair and offered the name of Carol Christianson as a possibility. Champion offered to be Co -Chair also. Collison stated that she has not had much luck in forming a house selec- tion committee, but noted that so far Jan Bywater and Nowysz were on the committee. Collison informed the Commission that she talked with Terry Timmins and Kevin O'Malley of the City about the need for insurance for the Homes Tour. She stated that the City's policy should cover the event unless an incident was poor negligence on the part of the homeowner. Then the .V' HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987 PAGE 2 homeowner's policy would serve as coverage. She stated that the Commis- sion members would be covered under the City's "Errors and Omissions" policy, but may need to get an official sanction from the Council. Collison noted that Friends of Old Brick may have more difficulty. She suggested that the three groups go to the City Council for an official sanction so that the City officials sponsor the event. Sierk questioned whether the Historic Preservation Commission could be the sole sponsor. Nowysz noted that Friends of Old Brick and the Johnson County Historical Society also are in need of funds. Champion added that it's a good oppor- tunity for advertisement for the three groups. Collison stated that there is a list of things to do in relation to the Hones Tour: 1) decide upon a Chairperson replacement; 2) is there enough support; 3) are there any sponsoring bodies and who are they; 4) is there a cause for the fund-raising. Collison -then asked the Commission members for their suggestions about use of funds raised. Nowysz suggested it could be used for purchase of plaques for award projects. Horowitz sug- gested that it could be seed money for a revolving fund. Vanderwoude suggested it could be used for Historic District street signs. Collison noted that finally the three groups should seek the City Council's ap- proval and support. Collison informed the Commissioh that there has been a lot of enthusiasm in teens of entertainment for the Homes Tour. Wagner asked if there would be any cost involved. Collison replied that the entertainment would be donated and noted that the end of April seems to be a good time. Sierk statTour is and noat t towoverl p that ewant to vent aware Championwhen stated thaect t aeen's Garden date should be set. Collison replied that the end of April or May Day are good possi- bilities. REVIEW OF REHABILITATION PROJECTS: 715 Iowa Avenue. Beagle briefly reviewed the nature of the proposed re a 1 a ion. He stated that the proposed siding will be of a smooth surface which matches that which currently exists. Horowitz moved to approve the project at 715 Iowa Avenue. Sierk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. Franklin reviewed the proposed procedural framework with the Commission and asked for comments. Franklin noted that she would bring along a procedural flow chart to the next meeting as suggested by Horowitz. She suggested that on page 2, part A. 1), should read the "building's bulk" instead of the "building's scale." Kern stated that the guidelines should allow for interpretation and judgment. Champion suggested that all permits for a certificate of appropriateness be reviewed first under the expedited procedure and then through the longer review only if necessary. Sierk agreed with Champion's suggestion. Franklin noted that it may mean that the Commission would have to meet more often. Champion suggested that the #409 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987 PAGE 3 extra meetings be in the middle of the week in order to be In additconvenientprocedural for that the all the members to attend. ed. rules are too wordy and that they be condensed. Horowitz asked whether any cost is incurred beyond the building permit. Franklin replied that the question of whether a permit fee should be charged isone that tto cneeds harge to be looked into. She stated that it is the City's position fees to cover administrative costs. She added that because staff input l will be minimal it is anticipated that administrative costs will be low. Nowysz and Sierk stated that they prefer to have no fee charged. li- Horowitz asked concerning the construction guidelines if a separate app reed cation from the building permit application would be needed; she express her desire to have only one comprehensive permit. She also asked what kind of training a building inspector receives in the area of historic preservation. Franklin replied that the inspectors have no specific training in historic preservation and that the procedures should be spe- cific enough to enable the inspector to make a clear decision. She pointed out that the Commission Chairperson could always elect to require a certificate of appropriateness which would use the Commission's judg- fort,review horstaff's on Hof the questioned not ewconstrwhether tionguidelines. Frathere is any nklin replied that such a provision would.be appropriate. Franklin noted that the Commission and the City Council adopt the guide- lines and that a public hearing should be held for adoption of both the procedural framework and new construction guidelines. She added that the guiding but should not tie the Commission down in all language should be ment should be cases and that judginvolved. Kern suggested that on page one of the guidelines for new construction under the section Building Height, the first sentence of point two referring to single story con- struction should be eliminated. Franklin agreed with Kern's suggestion. She asked for other suggestions from the Commission members. VanderWoude stated that a flow chart would be helpful. Sierk stated that it would be helpful to clarify the wording and to shorten the description of the procedures. Nowysz stated that the tone of the Procedural Guidelines is too heavy handed and too cut and dry. She suggested that to help ease this tone the following sentences from the April 24, 1987, Zoning Report be inserted, "If the application conforms to the design standards, the HPC issues a certificate of a ro riateness. If it does not, the HPC and applicant usua y are a e o wort ou —their differences during the HPC's review and public hearing process. Nowysz added that point 4, second paragraph of the procedural framework, should be clarified such t hat the applicant realizes that a professional drawing is not required, but one that accurately reflects the changes to be made. Franklin noted the suggestions and stated that the legal staff will need to review the guide- lines. She added that they will work on revisions for the next meeting which will be on July 23, 1987. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED NORTH SIDE HISTORIC DISTRICT: Nowysz stated that the Commission will continue with the topic as they have been. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987 PAGE 4 i COMMISSIONERS REPORTS: Wagner thanked Nowysz for her letter to the Board of Adjustment and asked what the status was. Beagle note that the Board of Adjustment granted the special exception for 19 Evans Street but was not sure whether an appeal had been filed by neighbors. Nowysz stated that the staff worked on the letter and that the comments were not in the minutes of the Board of Adjustment about- the Commission's concern over the issue of perpetual maintenance. Nowysz reported that the joint meeting with the Mayor and City Council has not yet been set but hoped to talk with them before the end of June. Beagle reported that the Golden K Club of the Kiwanis requested to show the film, "A Sense of Place" and have members address them on Thursday, July 16, from 10:00-10,30 a.m. at the Golden Corral. Beagle also reported that Mr. Charles Swisher submitted a request concerning the proposed addition of a deck on the north side of the house located at 533 South Summit. f Magner moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20. Horowitz seconded the Mo- tion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. Minutes submitted by Mary Lazenby .o• 1109 MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 1987 MEMBERS PRESENT: Blum, Ockenfels, Foster MEMBERS ABSENT: Lewis, Ashby STAFF PRESENT: Zehr, Timmins, Wright GUESTS PRESENT: E. Moses, H. Bogert, R. Bailey, J. Jones, S. Callas, Elliott Jones CALL TO ORDER: Blum, as acting chairman in the absence of Lewis and Ashby, called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. and introduced Terry Timmins, City Attorney. Attendance and guests were noted. The minutes of the June 11, 1987, meeting were considered and adopted as presented. PRESENTATION OF BILLS: Zehr presented a list of the bills for the month and explained em briefly. The bills were approved for payment as presented. COMPLIANCE PROJECT REPORT: Zehr reported the extension of Runway 6/24 is virtually complete, excepE for some minor grading which may be needed after the crops are removed in the fall. The painting and lighting are complete, and the runway is in use. A representative from the FAA inspected the site on June 17. Additional information was requested and provided. The FAA is now considering the request for reinstatement of compliance and Zehr expects to hear from them soon. In anticipation of compliance status, Zehr has prepared pre -applications for federal assistance with several planned projects. Ery Moses and Howard Bogert, representing Howard R. Green Company, briefly outlined the procedure for the first of these, a pavement management system at an estimated cost of $16,000. Other projects which are planned for future development include runway/taxiway rehabilitation and extension, avigation easements, and an automated weather observing system with navigation aids. IOWA CITY FLYING SERVICE: Blum reported that little has happened to further the arbitration of the lease agreement with the Iowa City Flying Service, because the arbitrators have not been able to agree upon a meeting date. The first matter to be decided is whether or not the state statute for arbitra- tion applies to this situation. It is now hoped that a meeting will occur on July 15, 1987. ERECT -A -TUBE HANGAR DOOR OPERATIONS: Zehr outlined events surrounding the accidental dropping an subsequent repair of a hangar door at the airport due .o• to the breakage of a chain. After consulting with engineers from Erect -a -Tube, it was decided to install a drop -stop device on all the doors to prevent such an accident in the future. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: There was no chairman's report. PUBLIC AND COMMISSION MEMBERS INFORMATION AND INPUT: Zehr reminded the Commissioners of the airport rea as on August 23, and asked for volunteers to help officiate the paper airplane flying contest. t Nto .1. • Airport Commission July 9, 1987 Page 2 Zehr also invited the Commissioners to join him in making presentations at local service clubs and organizations concerning recent development and future plans for the airport. Foster and Blum agreed to help. Ockenfels moved to go into closed executive session for the purpose of dis- cussing pending litigation, seconded by Foster, all three members present voted aye. At that time the public was asked to leave the roan and did so. Blum reconvened the regular meeting at the conclusion of the executive ses- sion. Zehr distributed a packet of information about the airport which he has prepared for Iowa City Council candidates. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Recorder: Priscilla Wright MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION JUNE 22, 1987 MEMBERS PRESENT: Reed, Haughton, Mims, Powell, Haines, Farrant, Smithart, Belle, Weilbrenner STAFF PRESENT: Alexander GUESTS PRESENT: Three University of Iowa students RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY MANAGER AND STAFF: None. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION: 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairperson Farrant. i 2. Reed moved to approve the minutes of May 18, 1987. Seconded by Smithart. Passed unanimously. 3. In Conciliation: i i a. E/0, 4-10-28-8601. The Team made a final determination of No Probable Cause. b. E/SBA, 10-28-8601. The case has not been disseminated to the Team yet. Farrant asked about the "rash" of cases being closed with a No Prob- able Cause final determination. Alexander told Commissioners that she had not done an analysis of the fiscal year 1987 cases, but usually approximately one-third of the cases are probable cause and clearly over the years the majority of the final determinations have been No Probable Cause. Alexander also advised Commissioners that since the absence of the Civil Rights Assistant, who was primarily responsible for outreach and community education, there has been a noticeable increase in "non -actionable phone inquiries" and the complaints actu- ally filed have not been as substantive as those filed when our out- reach efforts were up. An update was given on the following cases: E/NO 11-14-8501. This case almost went to public hearing but did not because at the last minute the Respondent cooperated. The Respondent paid the Complainant the $700 which both parties had agreed to. The Respondent made the payment in three monthly in- stallments. .a• a MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION JUNE 22, 1987 PAGE 2 Tansey vs. Farkus - The Respondent has agreed to pay the Complainant $2,034.68 as stipulated in the Commission's final order. The Re- spondent paid $500 on June 12, 1987, and will pay the balance in 12 monthly payments. The method of payment was agreeable to the Com- plainant and both have signed the conciliation agreement. - E/S, 11-1-8303. This case is still in the investigative stage. The case has already gone before the Iowa Supreme Court because the Respondent challenged our authority to request information on of - dents still brefuses outside supplyfoAlexander uwithwon, thet the requested. A motion for sanctions to be applied against the Respon- dent for their failure to comply with the previous court order has been filed with the District Court. Sanctions could include a monetary final and a jail sentence.- - Boggess vs. Sheller Globe. The Respondent initially appealed the Commission's final probable cause order which among other items included a ;17,000 remedy. The Complainant and Respondent settled before the appeal, went to court and the case is now closed. 4. Community Education - Two cable TV shows have been taped since the May meeting: 1) A 30 -minute show with David Brown, Assistant City Attor- ney, who talked about the City's Legal Division. Mr. Brown also described the working relationship he has with the Human Rights Com- mission. 2) Hate Violence Groups with guest Daniel Levitas of Prairie Fire. Mr. Levitas described various hate violence groups within the country and in the Mid -Nest including within Iowa. The next show will be on Big Mountain Part 2. In preparation for this show, Haughton taped a vigil the Big Mountain Support Group recently held on the Pentacrest. The plan is to edit portions of the tape into the second Big Mountain show. This show will also address the information the Bureau of Indian Affairs sent the Commission in response to the letter the Bureau received from the Commission stating the Commission's Opposition to the relocation of Navajo Indians. Smithart suggested a thank -you note be sent to David Brown acknowledg- ing his excellent support and assistance. Alexander will take care of it. 5. Old Business: a. Racially Offensive Merchandise - Farrant had looked at the "country' merchandise carried by a local store and had found a few items she public throughed the press volunteered togcallethedfeature the editor of the Press -Citizen to encourage an article that examined, for example, w y peri opTe purchase such merchandise as Mammie and Pickininny dolls. b. Hopi -Navajo Controversy - Discussed under community education. .P' MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION JUNE 22, 1987 PAGE 3 c. H.F. 500 - The Bill which would have made substantial modifica- tions to the State of Iowa Civil RMts Law was not signed by Governor Branstad. A taskforce heade by the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission will be created to attempt to improve the State Civil Rights Law in a way that is acceptable to the enforce- ment agency and to employers doing business in Iowa. d. University of Iowa Human Rights Committee - No report. 6. New Business: a. Federal Civil Rights Law - While in D.C. recently, Farrant at- tended a luncheon where Congresswoman Schroeder spoke about the Congressional Caucus for women's issues. Essentially the Caucus is involved with economic equity for 1987 such as dependent care. Farrant provided information which will be copied and disseminated in the July Commission packet. Farrant will also provide informa- tion on the Restoration Act (various laws which attempt to restore what has been lost during the current administration). 7. News Articles - News articles were discussed. Smithart suggested a second cable TV show on AIDS since so many new developments have occurred since the first show has taped. For instance, according to an article Alexander read, half of all women with AIDS are either Black or Hispanic. Commissioners agreed on the relevance of a second show on the topic of AIDS. 8. Staff Report - The staff report was discussed. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Minutes taken by Phyllis Alexander.