HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-06-05 Bd Comm minutesi I i
� s
-2-
Mr. Lef f
z-Mr.Leff indicated that this involves a question of weighing
the leffect "on,the'surrounding neighborhood as opposed to
moreg eneral benefits to the community. As benefits to
the community,' these aspects should be considered:
1. An obvious increase in the tax base,
2. An increase'in'employment with benefits to the economic
base of the 'community, ?
3. 'An increase in shopper convenience and ',availability.
of inventory for shoppers,
4. A provision for the development of a shopping center
with PC controls where `the plan`itself'must:be sub-
mitted:to the P & Z Commission, and ultimately the
Council, for approval.of the details of thelplan.
5. :A careful planning,,with landscaping,' of the parking
areas. -
II. The:determination of how much protection should be given to
the Urban Renewal' project and whether or not this is a'
legitimate <concern in the rezoning'=request:
most 'of the arguments in the Staff Report, Mr. Leff said,
(deal; either directly or indirectly on;whabieffect the
shopping,center will have on the existing 1, and continuing
plans for the urban renewal``area. This involves the question
of'ijust what the economic feasibility study means and what
it must show. tie stated that itis'almost'impossi.ble for
the petitioner to show that it can come into Iowa City without
any adverse effect on existing businesses.' There certainly,
may be some adverse effects, he said, and as' the Staff
Report points out, it is perfectly possible that marginal
businesses may fail as -a result of this. It is the same
type.of thing,that happened in the ',urban renewal project
where there was 'concern that marginal businesses;, might not
relocate ''under':urban renewal.
Mr. Leff pointed''out that item 10, page 10 of the report
states ,that "In,that'the extent and type,iof redevelopment
in -the downtown is currentlyjunknown would'argue,against any
extensive',, commercial development at thisrtime." Mr. Leff
stated that no one can 'predict what chances urban renewal
has or what the 'effects of the shopping center might be with
absolute assurance. The economic feasibility report filed
by the petitioner indicates there is a sufficient market
potential so that both the'downtown'and -the shopping_ center
can 'survive. If the competitive enterprise system'is
allowed, he said, it is possible that the result will be
that both 'areas `in the community can :'flourish'from.an
economic standpoint. If the shopping center is denied the
chance to survive on its own without worrying about what
• protection will, be necessary for urban renewal, it appears
that the tax payers are the losers. Urban renewal, places
the cost of improvements on the tax', payer because of parking,
sewer utilities, landscaping,` etc. The shopping center
provides these facilities at no cost to the tax payer with
r.
-31
:r
•probably
better
shopper convenience and better aid to the
community.
Mr. Leff pointed out that the Staff, has indicated that approval
of, the shopping center rezoning would involve scattering of
facilities for the public and>that-it'would increase auto
traffic. Rather; Mr."Leff said, placing ,the shopping center
in;this particular area would `tend to centralize the shopping
centers in the: community and would, therefore, cause very
little extra vehicular traffic.
Mr. Leff stated that those who view the community 'from the
outside always tend to place a higher, potential; growth. to
'
this community than do those who have lived:here"all their
lives. He 'indicated that the petitioner in its economic
feasibility report is more correct than are those`wo
hty's
live in the community in their evaluation of Iowa Ci
potential growth'.'iIt"would seemapparent, Mr: Leff said;
that; a sho g not, granted inlJol City,;it
ppin center is-
r'
:will:most'likely occur in the Coralville:area and ;will, ;
therefore come in without any>controls by Iowa City. The
spreading of facilities will occur,, he said.
mr.t Terrance Lambert, representing the Department of Community
Develo ment ex lained that the present population projections
reassessment
are based on a of projected
ted University enrollment
and that in.the past such enrollment has proven to be alstrong`
indicator of future population,growth in Iowa City. In
addition, he 'commented that the permission of the proposed
tl it
shopping center solely because to deny it would create ';,the
possibility of itsibeingi`located in Coralville would be an
'
unwise action for the following reasons:
1. The permission',of the proposed shopping center would not
guarantee that another sho pping center wouldlnot locate
in Coralville;
e
2.Ji
Iowa City cannot permit any proposed development simply
because it might locate in Coralville if refused in
' j?
Iowa City, and
3. Both Coralville and Iowa City are currently reviewing::a
com rehe
p nsive County ,Land -Use Plan which indicates
residential development on the ,subject parcel, and the
;permission of the: proposedcommercial development°'would
violate this plan', and hardly predispose Coralville to
uphold'alan Iowa City y has'i9 nored.
Mr. Jim Hayes, representing homeowners of the lots, adjacent to
the proposed l,shopping 'center (the Fair Meadows Addition,
.
the Mount Prospect Addition, and the Hollywood Manor Addition),
stated that -these homeowners filed a protest petition according
to Section 8:10.32.B of ,the City Code on May 23,"1973. This
protest petition contained the names of 23 persons. The
-5-
•
Mr. Henry further stated that, consistent with the position of
the majority of the Commission,as expressed in other requests,
the main question is not whether the probable intended use is,
desirable or undesirable, but whether that particular piece of
land ',would 'be suitable for commercial zoning and for all of
the uses''permitted if it were rezoned.
It was moved by, Mr. Henry, seconded by Dr.Ogesen, to recommend
to the City'Council denial of 1, the request for rezoning, RIA to
"
PC, ''for attract of land on the,southeast corner ofSycamore
Street and Highway 6 Bypass. The motion passed:by a vote of
3-2 with Mr. Henry, Dr. Ogesen, and Mrs. Larew voting in
favor; Chairman Madsen and Mr.. Horner votin against; a n
Mrs.'`Davidsen and Mr. Galiher'abstaining.
5-7303. Andover Garden Apartments, along Haywood Drive west
of Laura Drive ;plus a tract of- land 'east of Laura Drive,
Preliminai-FPAD...rDate' filed- ''3/23/73. 45 -day limitation:
5/7/7,3.
Attorney Bill Meardon, representing the petitioners, stated
that; 'an amendment had been filed May '22, 1973.
Chairman Madsen stated that there is some 'concern as to
whether this plan is as'desirable as the'previous'.plan. It
"
leav g p ,' and the Commission is
es a lot of green space, he said
I;11,Mr.iMeardon
concerned.about how that green space: may be maintained.'
gave the background ofithis rezoning request and
explained .that sworn testimony .in . recent Board of.Adjustment'
case indicated that his clients were denied financing; because
they are black.
Chairman Madsen stated that there is 'some feeling that while'
the R1B plan would be, better plan:from the standpoint of the
surrounding property owners and the City, ';itlwould be nice if
the petitioners would combine these two plans. The removal
of the single family part was used as the means to lower the
overall density to RTA`,requirements rather.than the removal of
some of the, apartment units, and he expressed ,the opinion
that the Commission would prefer it the other way around.
Mr. Terrance Lambert indicated that the required legal papers,
were not ;yet' filed.
It was moved by Dr. Ogesen, seconded by Mrs'. Davidsen, to
defer item.'S-7303, Andover Garden, Apartments, along Haywood
Drive west!of Laura Drive plus a tract of land east of Laura ,
•
Drive, Preliminary PAD. The motion carried unanimously.,
MINUTES
•Iowa:City Charter Committee
May15,-1973' ^�
MEMBERS PRESENT: ' Meardon, Cain, Baldus, Welt, Corrigan,'Ringgenberg, Knight
MEMBERS ABSENT ',Davidsen; De Counter
Staff Present: Rosenstein
Mr. Rosenstein; presented the Charter Committee with a draft of a definitions
section for the Charter. I Included were definitions of "City'; Council; Council,
Councilmember,'shall, must, may, voter, qualified voter, and board."Changes
were made so that the definition of "voter",'would be a person eligible to register
to vote in Iowa City,; and the ;term, "qualified voter," would,be used'in Article
VIII,;;Initiation and Referendum: Discussion was -held on theldefinition,of Board.
The purpose of this definition was to avoid r, having to repeat 'Boards, ,'Commissions,
and Committees:throughout the; Charter. The following wording was :offered by; Mr.
;` " des`a Board, Commission,'Committee, or any similar entity
Baldus Boardlinclu
however.desienated.",'Mr. .Baldus,offered•an.`additional definition. which reads,
"Ordinance shall include all legislative action.taken by Council including ordinances,
resolutions however design including amendments." Mr: Baldus stated that
this definition would be themost legally inclusive"of,actions that should, be
subject to initiative .and referendums' Mr.;Rosenstein stated:, that the word ordi-
nanceshould-not be:defined.as such':becaa se there are other._legal meanings ;of
ordinance,in State Law,and'if,this was the definition the Charter Committee, wanted
to use for initiative ;and referendum then it might; be wise to use a",word other
than ordinance.!
tofboards and
Mr.'Baldus
ved that the definition section, as amended to -in-
clude the
of ordinance be adopted. 'Mrs. Cain seconded
and the motion, passed unanimously.
Discussion next centered on a'redraft of the Article fon Boards, Commissions, and
Committees as submitted by! Mrs. Davidsen and Mr. Rosenstein. The Charter Committee
agreed to the wording of Section 5.01, Establishment, whi& reads, !'The City
Council may establish Boards and shalLspecify the title duties length of!term
qualifications''of members, and other appropriate matters'. The City'Councilimay
reduce:or,increase a Board's duties "03.-. may transfer',duties from one Board to
another and the Council may dissolve any Board: except as otherwise providedlby
State or this Charter:
Mr. Baldus moved that Section 5.02, Appointment, read, "The: Council, shall appoint
all members,of'Boards''and shall actively seek broad representation on all Boards,
including establishing a procedure to give!at least thirty days', notice of vacancies
before they 'are filled and encourage nomination by citizens and groups;" Mr.
Welt seconded and the 'motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Baldus moved that the first sentence in Section 5.03; Rules and Procedures,
read," "The City Council shall establish uniform rules and procedures for the
operation of Boards, which shall include but are not limited to: the adoption
of by-laws, rules pertaining to open meetings, and conditions for the removal
of members for just cause. Mr. Welt seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
• Discussion next centered onthesecond sentence of Section 5.03. Mr. Knight
stated that Mrs. Davidsen had considered it very important that there be estab-
lished'nrocedures for communication between the Council and Boards.- Mr. Meardon
Iowa City Charter Committee
May 15`, 1973
.
Page
•stated that the Council should be the ones who have to establish those pro-
cedures. Mr. Corrigan moved that the second sentence read, "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 make other
such rules as it deems appropriate." Mr. Baldus seconded and the motion passed
.unanimously. The Committeeagreed to have the third sentence in Section 5.03 read'
as follows: "'A Board'may establish additional rules and procedures that are con
sistent'with'State Law, Council Rules, and this Charter."
Mr. Rosenstein stated that Mrs'. Davidsen had asked him to bring up the possibility
,of putting into the commentar ,a recommendation to Council either 'to,form a
;Committee to study the; possibility, of placing' on the ballot at a latex date a
;question of whether, to abolish the: Library Board as specified in State Law, or to
recommend to Council that this: question be placed on. the ballot later this fall.
Mr. Rosenstein''istated that 'such a move was consistent with the philosophy of
;centralizingpower in the City, Council and that it was unwise to have a separate
board ;formulating P P ubl,ic olic Mr. 'r
stated that this issue has been raised
Y•
before and there is no reason to have a policymaking library',' board. 'Mr. Corrigan ?
stated .,that this action would not mean. that there was: not going to be a library
board,: but rather it would-be placedlon the same status as -the other `Boards and
commissions of the City. He stated that' he`traditional reason for`library,,boards
in the Midwest was the: fear that elected Councils would censor the types of',books
that libraries could have. Mr. Corrigan stated that;; he did not feel -that this was
a problem in Iowa City due to the high level of education among the people of the
:City. Mr. Corri an:stated that he had ,considered similar 'action in the case of
g � ,
the Airport Commission. Mr. Welt stated that it would be good to abolish this
Airport Commission' also. Mr. :Ringgenberg spoke in favor of`:recommending the l;forma
tion. of a study committee on Boards and Commissions.` Mr. Meardon stated that this
topic should be discussed later after the Charter is completed and this subject
was deferred.
Mr. Baldus stated that the Charter should provide for the formation of a Charter
Review,Commission?in ten years to review and', update this Charter.
Mr. Meardon stated that the Charter,Committee should decide whether it was possible,
or desirable to have tho three Councilmembers whose terms expire in 1975,,: finish r
their terms under the new Charter. Mr. Meardon said that he has heard citizen
opinions that this should be done and that it should not be ;done. 'He recommended
that the Charter Committee get a legal opinion on whether this is possible before,
deciding whether it is desirable. Mr. Baldus noted that Section 55.8.a. of the
City,C p elective officers provided for in the
ode of Iowa rovides,that, " the elec '
Charter are to be'elected at the next regular City election..." Mr. Meardon re-
ferred -to an Attorney General's opinion which stated that ,the holdover Council -
members would serve in the new government when the Des Moines form was changed.
Mr. Meardon commented that if the legal 'opinion stated that this can be done,
then it is an important politi'cal,question'which the Charter Committee will have
to decide. Mr. Baldus was requested to have Ms. Donna Beary, the Committee's
legal assistant, and Mr. Robert Martineau research ,these questions and to obtain'
a copy of the Attorney General's opinion for the Charter Committee.
• Discussion next turned to initiative and referendum. Mr. Baldus stated that he
has extensively, researched these issues ,drawing ,upon California and Oklahoma and
that he made the following: recommendations based on their experiences:
f-
, I •
I
I
Iowa City Charter Committee
May 15, 1973
'Page 3
1. .That Sect i'on.8.01 could be entitled, "Authority of the voters to Initiate
and Repeal Legislation," instead of Limitation on Power of Council." This was
deferred
2. That the idea of a Petitioners' Committee be eliminated ,so that anybody would
be empowered to start the procedures.:
3. That there have been problems in other cities concerning people removing their
names ;from the petitions after signing it. Mr. Bdldus stated: there are two ways
of handling this:
a. Allow people .to remove their names up to time of filing.
es up to Council reconsideration
b: Allow people to remove their namof the
ordinance.
He stated that he recommended a., but if b. was allowed then it should be possible
to add'Inames',if others are removed because if this was not done,then'an opposition
filin and then remove their names, thus
groups',
-could sign the petition, wait for g' after the
making `the petition invalid. 'Procedure a would allow fifteen (15) days
1 e p, brou hf u to sufficiency in case of there not being
:F, ,no.forwthe etiiion to be'g. p -
enough,valid signatures for the petition. 'The Charter, Committee was in'favor of
using procedure A, but agreed there should be!',some provision for removal ;of Sig-
natures' to, allow a person who 'changes, his mind to remove his name. Mr. Baldus
`.stated that he would add in -the draft,a provision that required the '.Clerk to provide
remov'il.forms'`and to have the withdrawals filed with'the Clerk. It'was felt that
it would be unnecessary for the Clerk to notify the petitioners of removals of
signatures becauseIt
the petitioners would take'the initiative to find..out about
them.
4. That there should be a time limit of six months on the time an!initiative
petition could be circulated, after the affidavit was filed.
S. That any, reference to what instrument could be used in signing the petition
should be removedifrom the Charter because these provisions have been the subject
of extensive',lawsuits
:
G. That.the,petitioners should not be allowed to start the referendum procedure
until after final assage by! Council and 'that the petition form 'should indicate
Pit
the date of,
signature.
7. Discussion next centered on the referendum procedure and the suspension, of an
ordinance that would permitbehaviorwhere there is reliance. Mr. Baldus stated
that he found no cases on this subject and there are three alternatives:
1. To set a time period before'any ordinance can go into effect,
with specified exceptions, with the suspension of the ordinance being extended
if there is the filing of a,petition 'for a referendum.
12. The Model Charter procedure, which allows the ordinance to go
into effect but when a petition is filed, the ordinance is suspended.
3. That the ordinance is not suspended at all. The problem then
would be when the ordinance lgoes .into effect and people rely on it and take an
action in accordance with the ordinance and then the ordinance is repealed by
•referendum. k
Mr. Baldus stated that he recommends procedure,.No. 1, which is used in California
because it would best solve this problem.:lie stated that in California the only
p finances not going into effect for thirty days are: Ordinances
exceptions to ordinances
Aowa City Charter Committee
cMay 15, 1973
�.
Page 4
for elections, street 'improvements, ;actions governed by,Stat e Law, and actions
I,
needed immediately to assure public health and safety. Mr,Rosenstein asked
whether the Charter Committeewould then wish to keep its sixty-day allowance
for filing. ':Mr. Rosenstein also asked whether with'the!definition of ordinance
as passed and the requirement'that;all ordinances cannot go into effect forla
certain' time length,',this requirement` would extensively slow down the process
of City, government, ':Mr. Baldus stated that he and Mr. Rosenstein would get!,,
together with Mr. Wells, City,Manager, to discuss what type action needs to;!go
:into effect immediately. Mr. Baldus stated that a'compromise 'would be to
reduce the time for filing a referendum petition to `:thirty 'days to prohibit''
an ordinance,, with exceptions, from:going into effect for those thirty days;',
subject to a longer suspension if a valid petition is filed, and to allow
specifically an initiative procedure ',which, Could repeal an ordinance but
would not suspend an; ordinance. Mr. Baldus the above provision. Mr.'.
Corrigan seconded and ,the motion passed unanimously.,'
r
Mr. Meardon st g spension to remove the 'possibility
stated that instead of using a su
of rel'; once th-t the_e b_ a doctrine _ nor.--- -_..__ n. _h_`Charter,;for these
}IO TP P O 11F TP�1011PP 1 the
s
cases. ,Mr. Meardon said that',with this doctrine no 'one would riski building;
untilr_they were 'sureithe'ordinance'would go into effect.
8. That there be a requirement that the initiative and referendum proposals
which are to 'go on the ballot be published in the method provided', by State
Law and that 'the City;should',pay for'this expense.
9. That what <should go on the ballot'. be specified by requiring that a synopsis
of the ,'subject matter of the, ordinance in question be placed on the ballot.:,
10. That there be a requirement that :once an' initiative ordinance is passed,!for
the next two years, it can only be repealed by a vote of the people. Thus,'"
;.
".Council cannot for two years repeal that ordinance, . although it can by its
own initiative' place this question on the ballot. Mr. Baldus stated that the Model
Charter, does, not provide for: any time restrictions on the', repeal of an initiative-,
passed ordinance and that California` only allows initiative -passed ordinances
to be repealed.by a vote of the, people. Mr.Baldus also recommended' that ,the.two-,
yearjprovision apply.to referendum procedures so that a Council could not pass
an'issue defeated by`the referendum process for two years: but it 'could submit
= that 'ordinance''to the voters for approval or'rejection.
a;
11. That there'be a provision in the Charter;,that allows thelCouncil,by its own
y
motion to submit an ordinance to an'election 'in which the results would be
binding, ;and to allow the :Council to submit an ordinance to the; people with
the results being advisory only.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
�l%
-2-
• 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 Chapter." '' Mrs. Cain
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
A motion by Mr. Baldus, seconded by Mr. Welt, and a motion by
Mrs. Cain, seconded by Mr. Baldus, both'passed unanimously by
the Committee l' changed Section 5.02,app6intment to read as
follows: "The Council shall appoint all' members of Boards,
unless otherwise provided by state law, -'and shall seek to
provide broad representation on all Boards, including the
establishment ofprocedures`to give atlleast thirty (30) days'
notice of vacancies before they are filled and to encourage
nominations by citizens and groups."
Mr. Baldus moved that Section 5.03, Rules and Procedures, read
s foll
a ows: "The City Council shall establish uniform rules
and procedures Jor the oneration,of Boards, :vh ch shall include
adoptiony-
7t -:.
topen msteandoconditionsfor thebremovs, rules pertaining
tomeetin
g al of members for
just cause. The Council shall specify;foi each Board',methods
for informal and formal communication with Council,'time
schedules for the completion of reports requested by Council',
and such other=rules as it„deems .appropriate. A,Board may
establish additional: rulesand procedures that are consistent
with state law,' Council rules, and this 'Chapter. Mr. Welt`
seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Baldus moved that'Section 1.03, Definitions be adopted
except for Section 1.03 (i). These read: "As used in.this
Charter:- (a) "City Council” or "Council" means the governing
body of the City, I(b)'."Council member" means,a member of the
Council;, including the Mayor,(c) "Shall" imposes a duty,
(d) "Must" states a requirement, (e) "May" confers a power,
(f) "Voter" means a person eligible to registerJto:vote in
Iowa City, (g)."Qualified voter" means a'voter who is`registered
to vote in Iowa'City,' (h) "Board" includes a Board, Commission,
Committee, or other similar entity however designated." Mr.
Baldus asked that (i) which defines ordinance, be deferred until
initiative and referendum can be further studied.
Mr. Baldus presented the Charter Committee with Draft #3 of
Limitation On and Disclosure of Cam
pai gn,Bxpenditures; Disclosure
of Campaign Contributions and an alternative to this;, Article
Mr. Baldus stated ',that the longversion of
01
go on the ballot as one of'the alternatives. thisMr.. Baldus
stated alternatives.
tated
thatthe'long version specifies p es the detailed procedures,
whereas, the ,shorter alternative' requires the Council to set
limitations on campaign expenditures and provide procedures
• for the disclosure of campaign expenditures and campaign
contributions. Mr. Corrigan stated that the shorter draft
was more consistent with the Charter Committee's philosophy
of keeping the ,Charter brief, and allowing the Council to
interests. City wide elections and the ability to vote as. many times
J
an there are vacant seats force candidates to ap peal to a singular'
ma Jority or compromiselhe interests Ofsfgfilflcant minorltles'In order
to gain a seat on council.
Effects
To appealto a majority in a 61ty-wide election' often means dealing with J
Of, city
Inoffensive,,. Procedural characteristics (like e a! Promise forlefficlency)
wide rather than controveialallmatters of substance and direction. Such,
elections cit y-Wide'proc'e'dti"ral'maitirs are known
be
but a :1 - I I to of some concern to many,
tudies showthat these are the major concerns of very few. Such
concerns seem to be highest among an affluent middle clam's that relies
on government for little that is crucial to their,'daily lives and seeks
out a1easit cost path for government.
Effects
By considering It necessary to vote for every open seat on a city-wide
of voting
I for all
basis a'candidate can hope to accumulate many of the voters low, priority,
open,
third orfourth choice votes, If not their first. Thus; someone
general'aPPeal can be elected with weak
d over
seats:
someone that strongly represents a
narrower grouIp. Withsucha PFocedurej differences and conflicts!
among Population segment wt] 1: r emra!n outside counudll,delibeiatidns
Majority rule as a democratic principle need. not, and should not 'mean
suppressionf
o minority voices at the lowest level of representative
government, Thereforef Havora charter that,w:ill encourage I theirepre-
sLentation of different Interests and not one, that sacrifi
I ces the realism
I
of our differencesh f I I I I
, to ac ieve an aura o consensus:
Further.. I believe that the official 1 31 suPPression of minority voices is
directly related
to the hichr e
deg !I of alienation that ex0ts in our society.
Advantages
and die- ,
Although, I could 110L go So .,-,aras to agree with the.Model City Charter
that the
advantages
use bf4istricts assures that major seg ments of the population
are.represented
Of use of
(Model Charter'. P. 14), district voting .(or nominating) does
help focus 'candidates
�districts
on matterslof specific substance and high interest
:to p !ar ph
eo,Ple,within, physicalboundary.
I think It should be recognized that although'a geographic unit (ward) 'was
at onetime an adequate base 1
f
* or:definin4 Interests today there are many
Othii'posslble bases for common interests e.g. (age,
sex, income, etc.)
Furthermore, the bases of interest keep changing over time.
The suggestion Of reducing the number of candidates that one can vote
for relation to, the number of seats
open will make it Possible, fo:
a candidate to be.am6ng the top choices in the fl I nal election r:
with fewer
votes. if, :In addition, this highly rated candidate -were permitted to take
a council seat with less: than a majorit'
y vote, that person could campaign:
on matters of substance addressed to a smaller number of people. Unlike
districting there is
the advantage that the base of interest Is not predefined.
I
•
Compromises
1, The compromise Imposed on the use of direct district voting (i.e..
using.a district as a base forinominations but making elections city-wide)
'
could be employed with tits suggestion. The non district; at -large:` -
candidates could run in a primary in which people would cast only
1 or 2„votes. The top vote -getters would then runin the election round
with'voters permitted the number of votes equall.to'opon seats This,
compromise may not make for'greater'minority representation in that
the election will still be based on city-wide 'issues, but it will tend'
to eliminate, the weaker of the' candidates who rely on a non-specific,
city-wide appeal.
2. A more experimental compromise would be the use of three distinct
election voting categories: at large, district, and selected interests.
example:type seats vote for-
_ r
at large ', 3 3
district 3 3
selected
interests 3 1
Equal
Asa somewhat separate but related issue, I would suggest that an
opportun- ;
election fund'be created (something similar to what has been proposed
'. ity`among
at the national level).'. Such a procedure could be used to limit and
candidates)
equate election campaign expenditures in city-wide elections. This fund
-'would;go
much further than an election expense limUntton to moving' Toward
equal' opportunity in the election process.
Conclusion'
At past session of this body. P. , you spoke of being too modern to use
regarding
r terminology such as, "A modern clay and age.” I think you should be
use of
awarelof a body of opinion that believes that when it comes to modern
Model
cl needs and making a democratic system work for more than the
C
majority the Model Cay Charter may, be conceptually better suited to' 1910
I
than to 1973; G:
,
• I
I
May 22,',1973
.Iowa City Charter Committee
Page 2
Council to decide. Mrs. :Davids6n seconded and'the motion: carried
seven for andtwo against with Mr.. Meardon and:Mrs- Cain diss
enting.
Mr.Martineau"
S comment questioned whether the int
Charter_-' the,,
Charter in Section 2.06 was to remove the Mayor's responsibility
as 'the�Chief executive of the City. He!continued that Section
60.1 of the City Code of Iowa prescribes that the Mayor is the
.�Chi:dfExecut'
ive Officer, and alCharter cannot legally take t I his
power away. Mr.
Ringgenberg stated that the sub -committee on
the Mayor and Council had discussed this issue,: and had agreed:
that Section 60 which makes.the Mayor the Chief Executive:does
apply, no matter what the Charter says, but that . the sub-corrmittee
did not want to re,eat it and add emphasis to this responsibility,
perhaps ;making --t9is phrase:a Public ::issue., Mr.
Ringgenberg stated that there are other
powers.,the Mayor has in
State law which are not repeated intheCharter'. Mr.oRinggenberg
further stated that 'since the Charter -
gives the supervisory powers
_of_the.City to the-cilt-ii-Manager,mayor aoes! not,have 'those
r the
powers_';Mr. Meard.on:sta'ted 'that of whether
the i a here is a,questi6n
! official papers of thp City had ' :
Executive; and I if so ad to be signed, by the Chief.,.
:ther6'had to'b6 someone designated as,Chief�
Executive. Mrs. Davidsen said the Charterishoul8,b�et clear that
the Mayor s:the 'Chief Executive Officer. 'Mr. Baldus stated
that partof this
Executive' f "question evolvesfrom.the ideal.:'of.what Chief
Officer means.Mr. Baldusstated that.Mi.. Martineau
felt that; the iin-tent of the City Codeof.'Iowa was that the Mayor
wasnot an agent of Council,,but rather a general agentwho
would have discretion',and could give guidance to the Manager.'
Mr.Baldus stated thatthere may1e dit
differencelbe weenwhat
thedrafters of a bill triedto sa
y and what they 'said on paper.
Mr. , Ringg6nberg stated that the problem arises that the laws+o'f
iowa�wereloriginally
written for the'Mayor-Council form
ment an of govern-
d,later theyiwere modified�to allow the.Co'
uncil-Manager�i
�form.M Baldus.mov'ed to deletethe Phrase 'Iofficial�representa-
tive""and.substitute'the phrase '
"Chief 'Executi
veOfficer."Davidsenseconded.
Mr., Baldus stated :tha tthisishould be added
because' it might.cause the Charter.legal problems and that it
could not 1make 1any.differ6nce be6ause'the duties of the City
Manag6r]are spelled out in detail. !Mr. Meardon''suggested that
the phrase read "official representative,and Chief Executive
Officer the City." The motion was,amended to accept this
change and it Passed eight for and one against with Mr.:Welt
voting against.
Discussion turned to Section 2.07 of the Charter which reads
"All 'p6wers'ofthe City are vested in the Council exceptas
otherwise provided by law and this Charter." Mr. Martineau
commented that this might be inconsistent with State law which
provides that "all powers of the City are vested in the Council
except as otherwise provided by State Law 'I
Mr. Martineau's
p
I�
I• •
May 22,+, 1973
Iowa
wa
Cit
Char
• Page 3 y ter Committee
comments continued that Section 56 of the City'Code of Iowa pro-
vides that the Charter can 'specify. the ;powers: and duties of th
Mayor and Councile
rare consistent with the'City.Code of -Iowa and
since all powers are,vested 'in the Council, vesting
.a power in
any o':her body could be inconsistent with State Law., Mr.'Baldus
stated that the question is what it consistent with the City
Code of Iowa because the Charter can
prescribe the. powers of
the Mayor and Council consistent with the act., Mr. Baldus'stated
that since inconsistent is defined in the Code as 'irreconcilable'
it would'be liberally interpreted. Mr. Baldus'stated that', if
the strict interpretation of th
the Charter Committee wanted e act was taken, then much of what
to '
do could not be done. Mr. Baldus
said that the wording of the CitylCode of Iowa' -is suc
will lead to a', liberal interpretation. Mr. Rosenstein stated
h that it:;
that the arguement can be made that since Section 11.1 of the
City Code of Iowa vests a.powar of.the,City in ;the Council
as otherwise provided by State Law and Section<56 oE'the City
Code of Iowa al'lQws Charters to provide !for the'
ll
l.
of the Mayor and City Council, there is 'flexibilityersMTndRosenes
stein further stated.that'if a strict interpretation was made
it'could,be
questionable whether a'Charter could provide for.a
Council-Manager_form,of government Mi.'Meardon statedithat it
was very ,important to leave 'the phrase 'this;Chater" ini,this
section and the.Committee agreed to do so. Several grammatical
changes were made to Section'2.06 and 2.07 'Secti.on:2.07'now
reads, "Ail powers of"the City are vested in the Council except
as otherwise provided by State Law,or'this Charter.
Mr., Bald us read several grammatical changes suggested by Mr. Martineau,
,M
and these':were accepted. The Committee turned to Section 4
Accountability-Removal, of the City Manager. Mr. Martineau
commented Providing that the City Managerlbe under the supervision
of the Ci
Code of Ity Council was inconsistent with Section 60 of the 'City '
'.
owa which made the Mayor the Chief Executive Officer
of .the City and'gave him supervisory duties which have notbeen
Yi
delegated, by law to a,City Manager: The Committee disagreed
with this,opinion and decided to keep the Section an is.
Mr. Mart'
neau's,comments on Section 4.04(a) were that this section
is unduly cumbersome, for what it is trying to accomplish The
Committee felt that while it'may "be cumbersome, it is necessary
in order to express the thought behind the Section.
Mr. Martineau asked if it was necessary to draw the distinction
between supervision and direction, officer and employee and to
list the.Police', fire and engineering departments of the City
in'Section 4.04(2). Mr. Meardon stated ,that the three depart-
ments were listed because they were, listed in State Law, ;and
since the police and fire departments were under civil service,
i '
I
May 22, 1973
Iowa City Charter Committee
. Page 5
Discussion was held on the draft of Article VI Boards, Commissions,
Committees. Mr. Baldus moved Section 5.01 Establishment be
adopted as written., Mrs. Davidsen:seconded ,,and -the motion passed
unanimously. Mr. Baldus moved that Section 5.01 read "'The
Council shall. a oint'all members of Boards; unless otherwise
PP
prvided'by State Law', and shall seek to provide broad'represen-
tation on all 'Boards.;.' The 'Council shall establish procedures
to"give at least thirty (30),,days.notice of Vicancieslbefor,e
they are l'filled ': and 'shall:encourage nominations by citizens."
Mrs. Cain seconded and the :motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Welt moved :that Section 5.03 Rules and Proceduresbe adopted
as read., Mrs. Davidsen seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Rosenstein next made a presentation of one alternative of
how the City could be 'divided into three districts. He stated
at
that.aoD stricttlinecould
'couldss Mre.Rosensteinsstated Dthatrbut
this
map utilized 24 precincts, '14'of which were the"same as are'pre-
sently used. -, He further stated that it was difficult'to divide
the City; into three districts because it:would, rrequire revision
of some .of the precinct in order to maintain the one; person one vote principle." :'Mr..Rosenstein also stated that this map
utilized the principle ;of cutting the City. into _thirds .as one
would cut a pie into, and that the new precincts and the;
District,'lines:were.based solely on population. Mr.iBaldus.moved
that this 'map ,be adopted and sent to the_Council as a recommenda-
tion for the division'into'`'districts.: Mr. Meardon stated that it
would first be necessary to„talk with the Cointy Auditor about
the mechanics;iof the;re-precincting. The motion was 'withdrawn
Mr.'Meardon stated that he, a'delegation of Committee members,
and Mr. Rosenstein would ask'' the County Auditor for her comments,
g p'`' ion'on how draw the districts
her le al inion o and heropinion o
in themost efficient way.
Mr. Baldus moved that: the Charter Committee hold a marathon session
on Saturday, May 26, 1973 at 10:00 A.M. at the Civic Center.'
Mr. DeCounter'seconded and the Committee agreed to the time.
Mr. Rosenstein' will inform'' the Press about the meeting, and call
the members to'notifyi;them of the meeting place.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
}
4
I I I
V
1
O
AGE NDA
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 17111973
I.
Secretary's Report
A. 'Minutes of'the April 26,;1973 meeting
II.
Financial Report
III.
Approval of Bills
IV.
Director's Report
A. Iowa City Public 'Library, _
B. '.Seven)Rivers. Library. System
C. Seven Rivers.,Consultant: Trustees Workshop Meeting
V.
Committee Reports
A. 'Books =6 Materials. Committee - meeting of'May,8, 1973
VI.''
Old Business
A.' Personnel Policy
VII.
Communications
A. Memo from Nelle Neafie, Seven Rivers Consultant, dated
- May 2, 1973 regarding Workshop for Trustees (Fall);
VIII.
New Business
A. Proposal for spending balance of Brubaker Fund: $339.49
To enahnce the Library's record collection in the area
:i
of. American folk music - traditional,IAmerican Indian'
blues, etc. - it is suggested that the following pur-
chases be,made:
1. Library:of Congress. Folk Music series.` 153.00
31 - 12"'records @,$4.95 each
selections from these; famous authentic' recordings
of North and South American folk music,',Negro, work
and regional ballads'
2. Library of Congress.' John A. Lomax:lectures 22.00
5 - 12" records
3. Music of the American;indian. 45.00
9 - 12" records
recordings from Libraryof Congress and from two
9
Anerican:-Indian recording companies
9
COMMITTEE REPORTS
'
Finance Committee - At the 'April 24, 1973 meeting of the Finance
Committee, it was moved that 'the <Director's request for staffing
changes as submitted to the committee on April 13,.1973 be accepted.'.
s necessary to implement such staffing_rhanges ;
wererYjaladustluded as
Director's.request of April 24, 1973.
'Canter)
(Summy,
Following'discussion of thero osed sta
p p ff changes and salary ad-
justments, it was moved that, the recommendation of the"'Finance
Committee be accepted. r(Canter, Braverman)
NEW ;BUSINESS
Regarding the proposal.to expend the balance of the Brubaker'Fund, I.
it'.was reported that,the actual balance 'is $339:49. The Director "
proposed 'an adjustment in the $75 'figure given for item N5 in the
proposal as'submitted;to reflect a"'true balance '"of i$339.49"rather;
than the ,estimated balance of $365.00. It was"moved that the Books;;-
and'Materials Committee meet `to review the purchases to be madej from
the'Brubaker'Fund. (Braverman,,Canter)
Regarding the proposed'.August Film Festival, it'was moved to 'refer
the matter to the Books and "Materiali Committee and that the commit-.
tee be authorized to make a.final decision without the approval of
the Board'.' (Braverman; Buchan)
COMMUNICATIONS
1.Memo from the Finance Director regarding the`.safety inspection rl
for alli, City -owned buildings and equipment. Mr. Walker'will.accom-
pany the inspector through the Library building.
2. Thank you note from Hulette Belle expressing appreciation for
plant sent heron the death of her husband.
3. Louane Newsome's expressed appreciation of HazelWestgate's
participation in the March 30 ILART meeting at Boone which spot-
lighted the Children's Librarian.'
,i.
Secretary Approved
SEVEN
RIVERS CONSULTANT'S REPORT
ONelle
Neafie
I.
Member Library visits
Grinnell
Brooklyn
Victor
Blairstown
North English
Wellman
Fairfax
Men's Reformatory at Anamosa
'
Belle P'laine
Tipton
II.
Non -Member visits
Marion Board 'of Trustees :
Chelsea t0 es tab l iah Library
I i
Rotations
yl
Victor
Brooklyn
Marengo
IV.
Special Events
ILA Conference (District) - Decorah
TLA Conference (District)'- Muscatine:
County Meeting - Tama County
Field Meeting eetin -'Des Moines
took 3 practicum students;
: (s
(,f
'
r
-5-
I
`
10 CIO
/ NCo
06
i U
ii c.
AY
iG
(, co
/cn
r nb
.o /974 /97'2- /9V
' ence stat , 624, the second highest
A ri1 refer statistics totaled 1'
P_
month on recordl'(March,:1973 was highest).f.On April 15,:. the
last day for filing federal income tax returns, we handled a
total of 102 questions. Reference service 'I to Seven Rivers
members -(not including books loaned) wx:105questions' '
Materials on the following subjects were all checked out;in
April:
hypnotism
.
suicide
1'ocksmithing
weeds'
VD
ghost towns
Easter, stories ies for children
electroplating
Sixty-two new paperbacks were borrowed from the Library's
display offprints, paperbacks, and booklists in the window
of 'Iowa-Illinois`Gas and.Electric Company.; Arranged to mark
NationalLibrary Week, April 8 - 14,' this was also designed
as an experimental "deposit collection" -'a method of getting
;
books out into the community.`;
A spontaneous Picasso display was arranged' to mark the death
of the artist.
it
A major personnel change took place in reference this month
as"Rose Lechay retired as head 'of adult services.` Jeanette
Carter will move into this position and Judy Kelley and}Joan
•
Tucker will work full-time temporarily until a new librarian
is"hired.
-7-
I
I
II • •
A sampling of reference questions answered during 'April:
- What is a deltiologist?
-.What,.is the. -operating cost of a Montgomery Ward freezer?_'
'` •
- Do you have an Amtrak schedule2,
- Does the Library have pictures of doctoral robes?
- What fruit trees are hardy for this area?
- What is the median family income in Iowa City?
- What is the name of Mark Spitz' father?
- How do I get material from the ,Small Business Admin-
istration for starting a mailing service?I
- How can I contact"the new Social Security office?
- What committees does Senator Mondale serve on?
- Who is the current borough president of Brooklyn?'
- WhatNorwegianlauthor wrote a'novel about a dwarf?
Is klutz a legitimate;word?
- How do you make ,George Washington wigs?
= What manufacturers use bottle caps?
Do you have information', on the history of the Apostle's
Creed?
•
t
I
SERVICE CONTRACTS
I.'. Number of borrowers
registering g ring during
April, 1973
Johnson County
Lone Tree
Norm
LibertY
Adu 1t'
99
Juvenile'
12
6
8
1
0
Total
111
II. ,Number of registered
borrowers to date
7
8
Johnson lCounty
Lone Tree
North
Liberty
Adult
769
Juvenile32
141!79
1
7
i
Total
801
F
�' III• Number of items circulated during April,
142
1973
86
i
Jon County
1972
Lone Tree
North
Liberty,
1972 '1973
1972
1973
Adult
Ju
Juvenile
le�
1,770 2,098
...1,.222. 8931
135 8 8
150
106
6 62
114
229
Total
2,992 2,991
186
•
150
IV., Number of items circualted January - April, 1973-
,.
264
335 `
Johnson 'County
Lone Tree
North
Liberty
1972 1973
1972
1973
Adult
Juvenile
61684 7,709
4,971 2,959
508, 473
783
740
302 159
599
390
,.' Total
11,655 10,668
810 632
1;382
1 130
M
IOWA
CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT
FOR APRIL 1973
USE
OF COLLECTIONS
I. Circulation
1971'
1972
1973
A, Adult Department
Books
14,252
18,136
171741
Records
1 480
1,818
2,079
Art Reproductions
_
16mm films/# of viewers
86
79
62,
137';
-
277
i';JV
315
TOTAL ADULT
15 957
20'370
20 197
B. Childr'An1s Department
18 OOL
21,669
22,009
C. TOTAL CIRCULATION
33,956
42,059
42,206
II.•Interlibrary Loan
A. 'Borrowed
48
54
40
B.:Loaned
Reference Services to ILL
267'
240
376
III. Reference Questions (Adult Department)
A. Interlibrary.Loan .
B. In person reference questions85
C. Mail Reference Q uestions
430 ':
80'
„721
***
781*** ;
D. Telephone reference questions
Total'Reference Questions:307
61
765***
IV. Registered Borrowers
,
A. ,Adult Department
14,227
16,696
7,126***
B. Children's i1d
reni s D e a
p rtment
6,709
6,211,31, '
6,055
C. TOTAL REGISTERED BORROWERS
20,936
22,909
*
statistics not kept until May
{ **
1972
statistics of reference services to ILL not kept
*** these, figures also
as such until 1/1/73
are reflective
•**** statistics reflect new policy
of II(C)
RE issuance
the re -registration to obtain
of new
such cards;
non -expiring
cards and
policy
effective
l/l/73
-12-
it'
I i r
-13-
I
GROWTH OF COLLECTIuNS
A.
Books
1971
1972
1973
1. `Adult and Young Adult,
Fiction
16,492
17,701
17,485
Non-fiction' _.
33,433,
39f951
43 874
Periodical Volames
2,876'
_.
2 876
2 876
TOTAL
52,801'
60 528
6'4'235
2. Children's `
Fiction
10,413'
-0 774
11 419
None-fiction _-_
17,637
18 500 ''
21 554
TOTAL
28,050
2912-74,
32 r 968
3. Total Books, Adult and Children's
80,851
89,802:
97,203
Tape Recordings
12
81
80
B'
Recordings _
_
1',223
1,807
2 183
Non-Cataloged Paperbacks
-,
-
883
C:
Art Reproductions
268
324
393
_
Microfilm
j�+563
715
817
D.
'8mm Films (Number of reels)_
l 214
320'
380
_
FINANCE:
FINES AND FEES
1.
Fines Collected
$781.33
82 .90
r
2.
--��568.58
Non-Resident Fees
-
-
-
Other:!telephone commission,
524.38
-
-
county tax payment
$1,092.96
$781.33
$821.90
-13-
a
ACTIVITIES ;IN THE 'LIBRARY
•
I. Children s Services
A.Story Hours - 11
Total Attendance - 777
Average Attendance -77
l
B. Classes - 19
Nelson - 2
Friendship'- 3
Headstart -' 3
Pine - 4
Child Psychiatry Service' - 3
University Parents Care,Collective - 2
Melrose
Mrs. Newsome's Chilren's' Literature class
C. Special Events
April; 5 - Book Week Projects from Grant Wood School
7 Dettrich, Australian storyteller:
MovieGraham
Stuart'`' Little; 3'performances, attend-
ance of 350
14 - Mrs, Manford;Kuhn,'.Grandmother storyteller
21 - Ling Seto, Oriental'', performer of Ti -Ji
28 - Puppetl'Show -'"Upside Down;' Inside out ,,Fix -it,,'
Fasten -it Land of Lengramania"; 31'perfor-
manc s
e attendance
D. Reference Questions 71,015
II. Groups Using the Lib rar Y
April 1-5, 7-12, 14 &'-16:iVITA
r
April 6, 13, 20, & 27: ',Iowa Income Tax representative
April 2: American Society
Cancer (Johnson -County; chapter)
:April 3: Iowa "City Charter Committee
April 4 & 26:,Kirkwood Community' College
April 4 ,fi 6:, Headstart' ;.
April 4,'11 & 18: Iowa City Board of Realtors
April 7 &:21: Johnson County legislators
April 1l: Old Capitol Business Center, 'Inc.
April -
1. 1 7 19 : I
P International Meditation Society
April 24: Project Green .& Recreation Center
April 27: Hoover Health Council
April 28: T.O.P.S.
III. Publicity and Promotion
A. Displays
Iowa City Craft Guild"
"Bach Festival"
"Children's Authors Choose Their Favorites"
"Forgotten Americans"
•
"Nostalgia"
"Pi ss "
ca o.
National Library Week 'display at Iowa -Illinois Gas '&
Electric Company''(April 6 -114)
-14-
B
Brochures and Booklist's.
Business Information Bulletin 300
NEW- 450
•
!3 booklists: The. 1,20,1s., The '30's, The '40's
"Hoi Contact'Your Elected Officials"
C.
Newspaper and.Radio Announcements
weekly Press Citizen schedule of events
"New,FIlms to be Previewed at Library"
"Puppet Show Saturday at Library"
D.
Programs
5 adult film programs,: attendance!of 201
IV. Staff Activities
A.
Hurkett
April 4 City Manager'B staff meeting
24 -,Finance Committee meeting
25 -,City Manager's ataff meeting
26 - Board of,Trustees meeting
30- Districti6, ILAmeeting, Muscatine
B.
Carter
April 23 Mayor's Youth Employment Program Board meetingi
23, 25, 27 - United 'Way, Information Referral
.
Servicw;
I
26.- United Way,:' :Executive Board':meeting
30 -.District',6,' ILA meeting, Muscatine
C.
Eggers
April -17 - NILE Advisory Board meeting, Mason city
23, 251 27 - United Way, Information Referral
Seivice:i
30'- District 6, ILA meeting, Muscatine
D.
Tucker
April 14, 16, 18 United Way, Information Referral
Service,ti,
30 Distrcit 6, ILA meeting, Muscatine
Iowa:Academy Of Science meeting
E.
Kelley
April 23, 25,'27 - United Way, Information Referral
Service::
30 District'!6t ILA meeting, Muscatin6
F.
Spaziani
April 6 interviewed on Barry Norris show, channel
2 RE:
United Way Information Referral Project
12 United Way, Planning Division meeting
14, 16, 18 - United Way, Information Referral
ServiceE.
30 District 6, ILA meeting', Muscatine
G.
Westgate
April'13 Storyteller, Fairfax Public Library
•
30 District 6, ILA meeting, Muscatine
Kelley, Tucker, Carter, & Spaziani,visited newly remodeled
library at: Veteran's,Hospital and toured facilities
ApriL,
•
LIBRARY BILLS
May 1973
Personal Services
Payroll
April
$ 271,110.59
Commodities
Frohwein Supply Co.
Office Supplies
$ 20.32
Steve's', Typewriter Service
Office Supplies
2.95
Quill Corporation
office Supplies
28.83
Rosheks
Misc. Operating Supplies
2.00
Hornung's Golf Sales
office Supplies
5.36
Henry Louis Photo
Operating Supplies'
16.50
Lenoch & Cilek
Misc. Operating Supplies
18.25
City of Iowa City
Office Supplies
22.88
$117.09
Services and Charges
University of Iowa
Work Study Service',
$ i48.96
3D1;Business'Producta
Equipment Maint.
31.76
Joan Tucker'
Travel Expense
3.50
Mary Mascher
Travel Expense
4.50
Ann.Wawzonek
Travel Expense
27.40
I. c. Industrial Towel Ser'.
Laundry Services
18.36
Iowa Parcel'Service
Postage
7.18
..Erb s,Office Service
Maint. to $ q uipment
46.90
I. 'C. Press Citizen
Publications
19.04
Every Bloomin' Thing
Misc.
7.50
Ia.'Illinois Gas & Electric
Gas & Electricity
920.19
Jeanette Carter
Traver Expense
3.50
Judy Kelley
Travel Expense
3.50
Eastman Kodak
Recording service
49^_.48
Northwestern Bell'
Phone Service
30.34
City of:Iowa City
—
Xerox April
40
City of.Iowa city
Multilith= April'
69.42
City of Iowa City
Steve's Typewriter Service
Water and Sewer
Repairs
23.25
30.00
$1,888.18
Capital Outlay
Frohwein Supply
Office Furniture
$ 159.17
Seven Rivers Library
Book Deposit
5,000.00
Midwest Visual Education
Films
45.93
$ 5,205.10
•
f%
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MAY '21,;1973
• PAGE 3
The City Attorney then summarized items which should be redrafted.
Paragraph,5`should include that the State Commission would come in
on'investigations only on mutual'agreement of the parties involved,
P local Commission, Commission, all cases get
deferrwould rovide assistance to the local Commission,
n, ;and Paragraph '6
should ebearevampedasince oithi's really not, possible in,this kind
cal` or the federal' government to any
of°an agreement to bind the ,lo
language regarding-settlement of cases.
The City Attorney then stated that if it were acceptable to the
Iowa City Commission and the, State,Commission,,he_would redraft the
proposedMemorandum ofUnderstandingand 'submit it back to'the
"Commission and the'Statefor review prior to the ',next' meeting.
He stated that he wo
uld distribute the revised draft to the Commission
during the first weekof June, and would also submit copies .to the
State at the same time 'for'their review.and reaction.
DISCUSSION OF REVISION OFiPROCEDURES
The Chairman stated that the,next:item oflbusiness was further t
discussion of possible revisions to Commission procedures,
particularly relating to investigation, conciliation,;complaint
filing, and appeals. .;Mori Costantino stated that, as per the request
that she'.look'into' the procedures and make a report to the
Commission, she had written to EEOC.'concerning assistance from them
and had asked several questions regarding''procedures. `She stated
s to obtain whatever
that she would continue to work along these line
items she could from the EEOC. Mori Costantino also reported that.
she had written-'to other agencies to obtain training manuals and
other information on the kinds of,procedures used or recommended
for`Human Relations Commissions.
Shen then recommended that the Commission write a letter to the City
Attorneyrequesting that he adhere to the seven day period for
and report non
a>to the Commission as ;re uired''by the''Ordinance.
investsq -
9
She indicated that inithe past somecomplaintinvestigations have gone
beyond the requiredltime period. She then moved, seconded by'Sharon
Mellon to write a let
ter to the City:Attorney;:indicating thathe
should proceed within the seven day time;limit,for investigation as.
required by Ordinance 'for investigation of complaints, and also that
the City Attorney give consideration while hiring of new assistants
in 'h is office to the needs and the workload of the Human Relations
Commission. Said motion was adopted with Paul'Neuhauser abstaining.
Sharon Mellon then pointed out that the Commission cannot afford
to have problems with',procedural mistakes and that cases could be
loston that basis. The City Attorney stated that the time constraint
of.'seven days is tremendously difficult to comply with in many
cases since this isnot near enough time to adequately investigate
•' the complaints. It is of help that the Chairman of the Commission
can extend the time period for another seven days but this many times
is not yet enough time. Mori Costantino suggested that provisions
be',made 'in the 1974 City budget to obtain staff at least half-time
for the Human Relations, Commission.
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MAY '21,11973
• PAGE 4
The City ,Attorney indicated that with the addition of two positions'
in his.office,'th'e work of the 'Human "Relations 'Commission should be
more :promptly handled. ,;Discussion was then held.on the suggestion
that:the,new''Attoineys',attend 'training sessions. Dick Braverman
pointed out that 'the investigators need to be sensitive to the problems
involved when minorities are discriminatedagainstand:that even a
minority person should 'do some of; the interviewing during invest-
igation. ,.The Commission also'suggested to the City Attorney that
he 'consider hiring one of the new: Attorneys on the basis of
sensitivity in dealing with Human'Relations cases, that continuing
training be set, up to.,provide'-this person with,,appropriate guide-
lines in the area, and 'that :consideration be given to using :outside
minority or female persons as investigators depending upon the
particular case at hand.
Don'IHoy then suggested that there are many 'other problem areas
in terms of procedures which.should!be reviewed These -areas .would
include investigative procedures, distribution of copies of invest-
igative reports,sdeveiopment:of appropriate proceaures for appeal
sessions,'coming?up with a determination'as to what items of
information can be made public, procedures for filing complaints,
and ;what complainants are told throughout -the entire process. He
stated that the:Commission needed' o'formulate a set 'of detailed
ppro rocedures to cover these areas. The City ,'Attorney stated that
plainants and respondents could be given copies of the invest-
igative reports so that; they can make a determination as to the basis
on which:the findings were made. ,i The respondent should have the
right to see the charges Brough against him and the investigative
information as to the findings, so that he is able to make a rebuttal.
The complainant should also have the right'' - to view the investigative
report especially in those cases where the :decision may go against
the complainant, since this will.enable;the complainant'to add,
additional information during an appeal session. The City Attorney
suggested that both complainant and respondent be given.copies of
thelinvestigative report when `.the report is submitted to the
Commissionfor'their'review.
Paul Neuhauser then suggested,that the Commission begin drafting
possible new procedures for Commissionloperation'so that each'
Commissioner 's'suggestions will be ,down in writing for i,further:
discussion and review. The Commission decided that:further
discussion was needed in this area at a later meeting.'
Mori Costantino and Sharon Mellon pointed out that more information'
should be available to the news media regarding'_ complaints that
are filed as well as general 'information 'about what is involved in
the cases. This information could be given without listing any
('specifics or names. They suggested that this kind of a procedure
A
?OP
�rVOL
all
I
M-
)EPARTMENT Of CC
11 '131111.
�!✓j �rl )rl� �...?G t't�=x 1'f T•: t, fC'F:' J i t � .t� 7 � ¢ rk:.(y. y"i •r1�ir1>'Sr
)tel �tl�I iY tY YT [f )Frh�ui>tt/r r• rt f.,.l� 1111.V,rr14a �j``\
Drr, ^_.t)f>{1t\''-iii •4r) 77.i ��t ir; �1''!i l��y� j 'r ,a Irl j( � ir.•
`. . 4r 11� �^•�s'r �-��.. u'h'f r't 'i �.i T'i'•'r'��t7 't .�1 �. •r; t.. °i; {.till �r c ��
yw
i..: F{h r , J"♦ _.4� rr i.'.rr �^ ;t vr•\t t A}..'f _ly r
r r. Ir t r r •f � � % a i S j
,r.` t 'Twa :$
t.R•1. I.
J \.r/..
..� ..P•^ i't �, ^\ Y i T7lc "p� J' A t �>fl.tylr
Hf a �tIt F�JF tt )'ya ��,t ��f 11�^c r L(G(It • / i�"f
.� [ t'f fSTYSt��>i��#( �ttt, }17-�yf ti;u >I f1. •" yt i'fi r� f � N
r f.ac i h ]- i3rf [•' S a i� I tS M t n jt �" �. j t IT`�Y 8
;lad 1 • t'l ej c. Irl t,,. > >YS �!"�i' jl( �.7\
, V. nr f T ,1 t.
a 'arrirl yc ..i�aT .-�I �r a
1 ttJ T rn t r •t{'...: I' {(r: 71'.f C�i r +! t i Y
•.,! ,Mj ,F. 1 y� Ilr 't. \ ylrt It[ lA� � y.��.
t 711 �t{��. i.♦ i Ha t�1ir1 Ir �..)f?r
r ,•,_ k�.t�e�(�iT,�! t I < ,jrri t ire t �.F� tr. f ri �r •.3 t"ttM �,
� I' wrtr • �rrr If1[tl� [! al*\ter tr iAl�lt ;'t r7r'�
)f �iyitine'at ..t \1a ,1 'rR' 1•=t't ," Mf i��!
4
tFtr r oti 1 Y fl' "!i
a.l y` i i\Ji rN tilftl �
1 >
`i
c r -
r
5
' r T;,
h
rAyl � L 'rl>
i
n
rk
n ^
� / L. •. t .y:
I
L
f•
.r
/I
i �,
'` i
i �
r, ;�
i
i�
1'e.
i �