HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-29 Info Packet
City Council I nformation Packet
October 29, 2020
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
November 2 Work Session
IP2.Work Session Agenda
IP3.Memo from the A ssistant to the City Manager: 2021 S tate L egislative P riorities
Development
IP4.B L M & S ystemic Racism Detailed S tatus Report
IP5.Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP6.Memo from City Manager: 2021 A ffordable Housing P lan
IP7.Memo from City Manager: Update on Traffic E nforcement Guidance
IP8.Memo from I nterim P olice Chief and I C P D S ergeant-Training and Accreditation:
I owa City Police Department 2020 C A L E A A ccreditation P rocess
IP9.Social J ustice & Racial Equity T hird Quarter Update (J uly - S eptember 2020)
IP10.Civil S ervice E xamination: Maintenance Worker I - Streets
Draft Minutes
IP11.Climate A ction Commission: October 5
IP12.Public A rt Advisory Committee: October 1
October 29, 2020 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
October 29, 2020
Council Ten tative Meeting Sched u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
Item Number: 2.
October 29, 2020
Work Session Agen d a
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Work Session Agenda
Item Number: 3.
October 29, 2020
Memo from the Assistant to the City Manag er: 2021 State Legisl ative
Priorities Develop ment
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from the A ssistant to the City Manager: 2021 S tate L egislative P riorities Development
Date: October 29, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From : Rachel Kilburg, Assistant to the City Manager
Re: 2021 State Legislative Priorities Development
Introduction
City Council’s November 2 work session agenda includes discussion of the 2021 state
legislative priorities.
Prior to the start of each State of Iowa legislative session, the City Council traditionally adopts
legislative priorities and communicates the City’s positions on those issues to our elected
delegation. The 2021 State of Iowa Legislative Session will commence on January 11, 2021.
This session marks the start of a new biennium (89th Iowa General Assembly), which means
any previous bills may be resurrected or re-imagined, and that all bills will be subject to the
funnel deadlines.
Discussion
Based on both ongoing and recent issues facing City Council and community, as well as Iowa
City’s adopted 2020-2021 Strategic Plan, the following legislative priorities have been
identified for the 2021 legislative session:
Strategic plan objective: Demonstrate leadership in climate action.
• Support for Climate Action Initiatives
Support initiatives and legislation that further the goals contained in Iowa City’s
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Accelerating Iowa City Climate Actions report.
Iowa City encourages the State to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation
Code and provide cities the ability to make local amendments. The City also
encourages the state to initiate a statewide climate action plan and invest directly in
environmental and ecological efforts that will support all Iowans.
Strategic plan objective: Advance social justice, racial equity, and human rights.
• Support reform measures to reduce racial disparity in the criminal justice
system and address systemic racism
In the state of Iowa, Black people and persons of color are a small percentage of the
population but are significantly overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
Discriminatory criminal justice policies and disparate enforcement outcomes should
be addressed through state standardized and streamlined data collection for traffic
stops, uniform minimum implicit bias and cultural competency training requirements
October 29, 2020
Page 2
for law enforcement, and decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. Iowa City
supports the recommendations issued by the Governors FOCUS Committee on
Criminal Justice Reform to promote unbiased policing, which include requiring and
automating data collection on race/ethnicity from traffic stops and adopting a statutory
ban on disparate treatment in law enforcement activities. Additionally, the City
requests the State conduct a statewide review of community police review boards and
corresponding legislative policies to ensure these bodies have adequate oversight
powers.
Law enforcement agencies also need expanded legal avenues for addressing hate
related acts. Currently, the State Hate Crimes provision, Iowa Code Chapter 729A,
enhances the penalty for certain crimes when they are committed because of a
person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual
orientation, age or disability, but harassment and trespass with the intent to harass
are not included as enhanceable offenses. Iowa City encourages the State to amend
the existing Iowa hate crimes law to include harassment as an enhanceable offense.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and provide adequate funding for localities
to implement a mental health care continuum of services responsive to local
need
Local law enforcement agencies are developing innovative solutions for preventing or
improving the response to calls for service which involve individuals experiencing a
behavioral health, substance abuse, housing, or other similar form of crisis. One
strategy being explored involves law enforcement documenting information about the
contact made with an individual in these types of incidents and sharing this information
with licensed health care or social service providers. The goal of information sharing
is to provide opportunity for referral or intervention and reduce the likelihood of the
need for future police involvement. To ensure an effective response is not dampened
by confidentially concerns for the crisis victim’s information, Iowa City supports
confidentiality protections for reports by law enforcement regarding contact with a
person experiencing a crisis that contain personally-identifiable information.
Additionally, Iowa City encourages the State to enhance and expand support for
mental health care and intervention services to better treat those individuals who are
at-risk for hospitalization or jailing. Specifically, the City supports lifting the moratorium
on specialty courts and increasing funding through the Iowa Department of
Corrections and Iowa Department of Justice for specialty courts, including the
proposed Sixth Judicial District Civil Mental Health Court. Additionally, the State is
encouraged to seek additional capacity for mental health care in Iowa, including
investing in Assistive Outpatient Treatment (AOT) and increasing the reimbursement
rates for mental health providers.
Strategic plan objective: invest in public infrastructure, facilities, and fiscal reserves
• Ensure the continued funding of commercial & industrial property tax
replacement payments
2013 property tax reform measures are placing significant financial pressures on cities
across the state. Backfilling a portion of property tax revenue lost to local jurisdictions
October 29, 2020
Page 3
was an important component of the 2013 legislation and recognized the necessity of
this revenue for local government operations. However, in recent years, state-level
discussions of eliminating or phasing out the backfill payments has been a threat to
Iowa cities’ abilities to maintain basic service levels.
The Fiscal Year 2021 backfill payment to Iowa City is estimated to be approximately
$1.6 million. To demonstrate the magnitude of these payments, this equates to the
annual personnel expenses for approximately 15 full-time firefighters. Cuts to such
basic services would be necessary, in addition to raising property tax rates, to
compensate for lost reimbursement revenue. Raising tax rates to compensate for
reduced taxable value negates the intention of property tax reform. The City of Iowa
City encourages the State to continue funding for commercial and industrial property
tax backfill payments to cities and fulfill these reimbursements at the full amount.
• Continue Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funding
The REAP grant program has been critical for improvements and protection of Iowa
City’s natural resources, park areas, and open spaces. Although REAP has been
authorized to receive $20 million in funding until Fiscal Year 2021, the state legislature
has historically appropriated less. In 2020, the REAP was appropriated $12 million
(approximately $12.5 million including interest income). The City encourages the State
to extend funding authorizations for REAP and increase the annual appropriation to
ensure continued conservation of Iowa’s natural resources.
Strategic plan objective: Foster health neighborhoods and affordable housing throughout the city.
• Protect Home Rule authority for local governments
Local governments are uniquely positioned to respond to the needs and priorities of
our residents and taxpayers. Cities innovate in response to local conditions and
implement new ideas that can benefit the State as a whole, and more closely reflect
the priorities of the public we serve. This includes local flexibility in local building codes,
revenue options, and land use decisions and the preservation of cities’ authority to
restrict housing discrimination based on source of income.
• Support University of Iowa Student Government (USG) proposal regarding
rental property move-in checklists
During the 2020 Iowa legislative session, a bill (S.F. 2216) was introduced which would
require landlords to provide and use an inventory checklist at the start and end of a
tenancy and included a process for implementation. Important requirements which
protect tenants against unfair withholdings of rental deposits are detailed in the bill,
including a list of required items to be included on the checklist, a file retention period,
and a requirement for landlords to provide a copy of this documentation to tenants.
Iowa City registered in support of this proposal.
With University of Iowa students representing a significant portion of rental tenants in
the Iowa City, the University’s student government has advocated for these
protections. Iowa City stands with USG in encouraging the State to pursue rental
property move-in checklists.
October 29, 2020
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• Support legislation protecting the rights of manufactured housing residents
Recent sales of manufactured housing communities statewide and the resulting
impact on those communities has led to discussions at both the state and local levels
regarding how best to protect the rights of the families living in these communities.
The City of Iowa City supports rights for the residents of manufactured housing which
include: rent protections including a statewide cap on frequency and percentage of
increases and lengthened notice periods for proposed increases, uniform good cause
eviction statewide standards, fair fee regulations including standardized time frames
for assessing late fees, and fair lease provisions and effective enforcement
mechanisms to combat illegal provisions.
Additionally, when manufactured housing communities are put up for sale, residents
should be offered first right of purchase and be protected from premature eviction
during pursuit of local ownership. If displacement is forced as a last resort, the owners
profiting from the sale of the park must be required to provide fair relocation
assistance. The City also encourages the State to consider a tax credit program which
incentivizes the transfer/sale of land to residents of the community, allowing them to
build equity, and protects against “bad-actor” ownership.
During the 2020 state legislative session, the City of Iowa City registered in support of
H.F. 2351, which addressed many of these issues. Iowa City continues to support the
protections for manufactured housing residents outlined in this bill and encourages the
State to resurrect and adopt such legislation.
• Promote equitable access and affordability of high-speed, broadband internet,
including sustainable investment in cities’ critical technological infrastructure
High-speed broadband is a driving force behind the local and state economy and is
an indicator of quality of life alongside minimum basic needs such as clean water and
maintained roadways. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many inequities in
availability and affordability of high-speed broadband internet access in cities across
Iowa. It is critical that Iowans of all income levels are on a level playing field when it
comes to broadband access, speed, choice, and cost. This will require the State to
pursue significant investments in and sustainable funding for critical infrastructure,
such as fiber, and next-generation technology which will drive education, employment,
and basic human services.
Iowa City encourages the State to take measures which will expand access to high-
speed, affordable broadband in cities, specifically for low- and moderate-income
Iowans in urban neighborhoods. Additionally, the City supports efforts which
incentivize public-private partnerships and ensure reasonable local flexibility as
communities work towards cost-effective, universal broadband access.
Strategic plan objective: Promote an inclusive & resilient economy throughout the city.
• Support the continued excellence of the State’s primary, secondary, and higher
education institutions and advocate for additional education funding
Iowa’s primary and secondary schools are fundamental drivers of the State’s
economic growth, standard of living, and future prosperity. Due to the COVID-19
October 29, 2020
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pandemic, the decreased enrollment at primary and secondary schools would result
in significant funding decreases based on the State’s existing per pupil finance
formula. It is essential for the success of the State and our local communities that
support for our schools is a top priority in the State’s budget and funding is responsive
of COVID-19 impacts.
The City also encourages the State to expand access, affordability, and quality of early
childhood education and care. Specifically, the City supports increased
reimbursement rates for Child Care Assistance (CCA) providers, to ensure families
with parents who wish to enter the workforce can find and afford quality child care
The University of Iowa plays a critical role in the supporting statewide economic,
social, and cultural growth. It is important the State of Iowa provides the university the
needed resources to ensure the university’s continued ability to facilitate growth
opportunities in varied sectors of the business community. Likewise, community
colleges play an important role in ensuring the continued competitiveness and
inclusivity of the state’s economy. The City encourages the State to carefully consider
and support the legislative and financial priorities of the University of Iowa and
Kirkwood Community College.
• Continue use of federal funding to support residents and businesses in
recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
Cities across Iowa are experiencing severe economic impacts due to the COVID-19
pandemic. Even after aggressive spending cuts to operations and capital outlays, the
revenue loss is of such magnitude that it limits cities’ abilities to provide basic
assistance to local businesses and residents in responding to the pandemic. Direct
and flexible funding allocations to cities are essential to ensuring local needs are
addressed adequately through locally viable and effective solutions. Iowa City
encourages the State to continue investing available CARES Act dollars and other
federal funding in local municipalities to support Iowa residents and businesses in
recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strategic plan objective: Strengthen community engagement and intergovernmental relations.
• Support the legislative efforts of the Iowa League of Cities and the Metro
Coalition
In previous years, Council’s adopted priorities included support for legislative efforts
of the Iowa League of Cities and Metropolitan Coalition, an organization comprised of
the State’s largest cities. The 2021 legislative priorities for each of these organizations
will be included in the Council’s resolution on November 17th, if available.
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council discuss any desired changes and consider a formal resolution
adopting the 2021 State Legislative Priorities at the next formal meeting.
Item Number: 4.
October 29, 2020
B L M & Systemic Racism Detailed Status Report
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
B L M & S ystemic Racism Detailed S tatus Report
1
City of Iowa City
COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING BLACK
LIVES MATTER & SYSTEMIC RACISM
Resolution No. 20-159
Status Report
October 29, 2020
2
SUMMARY OF COMMITMENTS
The City of Iowa City is committed to embracing the Black Lives Matter Movement and addressing
Systemic Racism. The City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 20-159 on Tuesday, June
16, 2020 which outlined seventeen initial actions. A copy of that signed resolution, along with
other related resources, is available at www.icgov.org/BLM.
The seventeen actions have been identified in this initial commitment and are summarized below.
Click on an action to be taken to the status report page for that item:
Policing & the Future of Public Safety
• Develop a preliminary plan to restructure Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) towards
community policing.
• Receive a report of ICPD involvement in use of gas and flash-bang devices during a June
2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Iowa City.
• Increase accountability and oversight authority of CPRB, where legally possible.
• Improve transparency and accessibility of detailed ICPD budget expenditures.
• Review inventory of military grade equipment in ICPD, evaluate federal contracts with the
ICPD and express support for divestment of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
• Enact ICPD General Order to expressly ban the use of chokeholds & any maneuver that
cuts off oxygen or blood flow.
• Continue ICPD policy and practice to be consistent with IA H.F. 2647, ensuring police
officers in Iowa have not committed serious misconduct.
• Investigate compliance and evaluate disciplinary action related to proper use of body
cameras and vehicle recording devices.
• Ensure the duty to intervene and stop excessive force, in both ICPD General Order and an
MOU with area law enforcement agencies.
• Prohibit use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs against peaceful protestors.
• Adopt 2021 state legislative priorities related to criminal justice reform, enhanced
authority of the Community Police Review Board (CPRB), and decriminalization of small
amounts of marijuana.
Truth & Reconciliation
• Create an ad hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission to carry out restorative justice.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Commit $1,000,000 to local efforts promoting racial equity + social justice, including
development of a new Affordable Housing Plan.
• Increase opportunities for artistic expression by communities of color.
• Establish Juneteenth as an official city holiday beginning in 2021.
• Increase diversity of City employees, expand equitable recruitment efforts, and elevate
organizational equity training, policies, and procedures.
• Continue use of a racial equity toolkit use in all city departments, expand training to the
City Council, and educate and train the local business community
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PROGRESS SUMMARY
Policing & the Future of Public Safety
Truth & Reconciliation
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
*Note: Actions showing multiple icons have some council directives accomplished and others underway; details are provided on each action’s page.
$1m. committed to SJRE efforts + Affordable Housing Plan
Equitable recruitment, hiring, staff training
2021 legislative priorities supporting racial/social justice
Develop Truth & Reconciliation Commission
Plan to restructure ICPD towards community policing
Report on gas/flash bang use on protestors
Increased oversight authority for CPRB
Transparent and accessible ICPD budget details
Military-grade equipment inventory review, MRAP Letter
ICPD G.O.: Chokeholds and airway restricting maneuvers
ICPD G.O.: Police misconduct related to IA H.F. 2647
ICPD G.O.: Body camera + car recorder compliance
ICPD G.O.: Duty to Intervene & stop excessive use of force
ICPD G.O.: Tear gas, rubber bullets, flash bangs in protests
Racial & Equity Toolkit expansion of use + education
Increase art + celebrations of communities of color
Establish Juneteenth as official City holiday
Awaiting City
Council action Planning or action
currently underway
Some or all actions
accomplished
Action(s) completed Action(s) in progress Awaiting City
Council action
Last Updated: October 29, 2020
4
Resolution
“By December 15, 2020, develop a preliminary plan to restructure the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD)
towards community policing, including, but not limited to, reduction of the public’s reliance on police in non-
violent situations through use of unarmed professionals, and consideration of community policing initiatives in
other cities, including, but not limited to, Minneapolis, MN, Camden, NJ, Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco,
CA.” (Res. 20-159, p. 1, #1)
Status Summary
At the October 21, 2020 work session, City Council directed staff to prepare a preliminary plan, which
will be delivered to City Council on or before December 15, 2020. This will be coordinated by the City
Manager’s Office and staff will continue to provide recommendations to City Council for changes and
improvements which could be implemented in the interim, while the plan is being developed.
For example, a memo is included in the October 29 Information Packet, which outlines a special order
intended to help eliminate disparities in stops and outcomes: effective immediately, ICPD officers shall no
longer initiate stops based solely on regulatory secondary traffic violations (i.e. defective equipment) or
minor pedestrian infractions (i.e. jaywalking that does not pose an immediate public safety threat). Public
safety data concerning this guideline will be reviewed after 60 days.
Upon presentation of the preliminary plan and deliberation by City Council, there will be additional
opportunities for the public to provide feedback before a final plan is adopted.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Dec. 15, 2020 Deadline for staff to deliver preliminary plan to City
Council Staff, Council, Public
Accomplishments
• September 1, 2020: City Council approved the replacement of a vacant, full-time police officer
position with a civilian Victim Support Specialist position. More information is available here.
• Sept 16, 2020: Listening Post #1 on mental health and crisis (approx. 40 in attendance).
• Sept. 21, 2020: Community Police Review Board community forum, via Zoom.
• Sept. 23, 2020: Listening Post #2 on special needs population (approx. 16 in attendance).
• Sept. 26, 2020: Listening Post #3 with UI Students (approx. 10 in attendance).
• Sept. 29, 2020: Listening Post #4 on victims of abuse (approx. 40 in attendance).
• Oct. 5, 2020: Listening Post #5 on the condition of homelessness (approx. 8 in attendance).
• Oct. 8, 2020: Listening Post #6 on youth engagement.
• Aug. 25 – Oct. 15, 2020: Comments welcomed through an online public input form.
• Oct. 15, 2020: Staff delivered a report to City Council which summarized the comments received
via the listening posts and online form during the initial public input phase.
ACTION 1: PRELIMINARY PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE ICPD
TOWARDS COMMUNITY POLICING
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Resolution
“Allocate City funds in the amount of $1,000,000 during Fiscal Year starting July 1, 2020 for efforts to
promote racial equity and social justice, including expansion of the Special Populations Involvement (SPI)
program, creation of a new robust affordable housing plan, including, but not limited to, housing in the
downtown and core neighborhoods, support of the to be determined efforts of a Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, and hold a Council work session on or before August 1, 2020 to address specific allocations.”
(Res. 20-159, p. 1, #2)
Status Summary
Allocation plans for these funds are pending further City Council discussion.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD Hold City Council work session to address specific allocations City Council
Accomplishments
• August 18, 2020: City Council agreed to contribute $25,000 in funding to assist the Iowa City
BIPOC and Immigrant-Owned Businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration
with ThinkIowaCity and Project Better Together’s Holding Our Own program. This funding is
separate from the $1 million commitment. View a list of funding recipients.
ACTION 2: COMMIT $1,000,000 TO LOCAL EFFORTS
PROMOTING RACIAL EQUITY + SOCIAL JUSTICE
6
Resolution
“Elevate the City’s commitment to racial equity and social justice, including expanding efforts to increase the
number of minorities employed by the City including eliminating barriers to applications, increase resources
devoted to those efforts as needed to better train all city employees and coordinate and report on the use of
funds dedicated for racial equity and social justice.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #3)
Status Summary
Staff continue to actively explore opportunities for equitable hiring and recruitment policy and practice
improvements, such as those ideas outlined in the staff report.
Recently, updates to the City’s interview process were implemented. These changes impact all interviews
conducted with job candidates, and include: requiring at least one question focused on diversity, equity,
and inclusion; more consistent data collection on how candidates learned about positions; providing each
candidate with ‘Interview Tips for Success’ when scheduling interviews; and providing candidates with
interview prep time prior to the start of the interview. The Human Resources Division is working with hiring
staff to implement these changes as new vacancies are filled.
Additionally, in an effort to increase applicants from diverse populations for City job opportunities, the
Human Resources Office has created a new employment opportunities flier, which is available in English,
Spanish, French (Africa), Arabic, and Swahili. The flier was initially distributed to approximately 300
community organizations and local contacts who reach diverse populations. Human Resources staff are
also providing hiring managers with current employee demographics at the beginning of the hiring
process as well as post-hire recruitment analysis reports.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Ongoing, Monthly Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
meetings and efforts
Staff
Ongoing Diversity and equity improvements to hiring and
recruitment policy and practices.
All
Accomplishments
• July 29, 2020: Approximately 60 City and County staff participated in a virtual Cultural
Proficiency pilot training.
• August 2020: New staff DEI Committee was formed, with a mission to discuss opportunities and
plan for improving workplace culture related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This committee will
continue to meet monthly and seek progress in these areas.
• August 20, 2020: Staff completed a report on Iowa City employee demographics, recruitment
efforts, and staff diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings.
ACTION 3: INCREASE DIVERSITY OF EMPLOYEES, EQUITABLE
RECRUITMENT EFFORTS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY TRAINING
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Resolution
“By August 1, 2020, receive a report from the City Manager on the ICPD’s involvement in the use of gas
and flash-bang devices during the protest in Iowa City on June 3, 2020.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #4)
Status Summary
OIR Group (based in Playa del Ray, CA) is currently conducting an independent investigation of the June
3, 2020 BLM protest incident that took place near the Interstate 80 interchange and Dubuque Street.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD Deliver report from OIR Group to City Council Third Party
Accomplishments
• September 1, 2020: Councilors approved a contract with OIR Group (based in Playa del Ray,
CA) to conduct an independent investigation of the June 3, 2020 BLM protest incident that took
place near the Interstate 80 interchange and Dubuque Street.
• September 3, 2020: Per City Council direction, the City released a statement and video footage
related to the June 3, 2020 BLM protest incident.
ACTION 4: RECEIVE REPORT ON ICPD INVOLVEMENT IN USE
OF GAS AND FLASH BANGS DURING JUNE 2020 BLM
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Resolution
“By October 1, 2020, create an ad hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bear witness to the truth of
racial injustice in Iowa City and to carry out restorative justice, through the collection of testimony and public
hearings, with such work to include a recommendation to the Council of a plan for dedicating and/or
renaming public spaces and/or rights of way in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement.” (Res. 20-159, p.
2, #5)
Status Summary
At the September 15, 2020 regular meeting, City Council adopted a resolution establishing a Truth &
Reconciliation Commission. Vacancies for this commission were announced at the October 6, 2020 City
Council Meeting.
Individuals interested in serving on the commission may apply online or print and return an application to
the City Clerk’s Office, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Applications will be accepted until
November 10, 2020.
To learn more about serving on a board and commission, please visit the Boards, Commissions, and
Committees webpage.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Nov. 10, 2020 Deadline to apply for the TRC. Interested applicants can visit
Boards, Commissions, and Committees webpage to apply.
Public
Nov. 17, 2020 City Council may begin making appointments to the TRC City Council
Accomplishments
• July – September 2020: Continued collaborative efforts to collect ideas and input from members
of the public, including councilor meetings and sustained communication with members of the Iowa
Freedom Riders (IFR), input from other community groups, and individual input collected via e-mail,
phone, and in-person at City Council meetings.
• July 21, 2020 – Public input opportunity at the regular, formal City Council meeting.
• August 18, 2020: Councilors Bergus and Weiner introduced a draft resolution.
• September 1, 2020: Councilors received public input and made plans to discuss further at the
next City Council meeting.
• September 15, 2020: City Council adopted a resolution forming a Truth & Reconciliation
Commission.
• October 6, 2020: TRC vacancies announced at the City Council meeting.
ACTION 5: CREATE AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
COMMISSION TO CARRY OUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
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Resolution
“Make it a 2021 City Council legislative priority to advocate for and support our state delegation in
enacting criminal justice reform, eliminating the war on drugs and making changes to state law that enable
the City’s plan to restructure the police department, enhance the authority of the Community Police Review
Board (CPRB) and reduce disproportionate minority contact, including support of state legislation
decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #6)
Status Summary
Prior to the start of the 2021 State of Iowa legislative session, the Iowa City City Council will adopt, by
resolution, state legislative priorities, and share those with our elected state delegation. Staff are actively
monitoring progress of the NAACP / Iowa Police Chief’s Association Equity Committee and will seek to
include the legislative recommendations from the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice
Reform.
City Council will review a draft of the 2021 state legislative priorities at the November 2, 2020 City
Council work session, with a goal to consider a resolution adopting the final 2021 state legislative
priorities at the November 17, 2020 regular City Council meeting.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
November 2, 2020 City Council to discuss 2021 state legislative priorities
during the work session
City Council
November 17, 2020 City Council to consider a resolution adopting the City
of Iowa City’s 2021 state legislative priorities
City Council
Accomplishments
• Participated in June 19, 2020 work session between the NAACP and local, state and federal law
enforcement agencies. Committed to working collaboratively on local and statewide reform and
accountability measures through a new Equity Task Force co-chaired by the Iowa Police Chiefs
Association and the Iowa/Nebraska NAACP. A summary of this first meeting is available here.
ACTION 6: ADOPT STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES RELATED TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
REFORM, CPRB AUTHORITY & DECRIMINALIZATION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA
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Resolution
“Continue use of the racial equity toolkit by city departments and expand such training to the City Council, and
work with our local business partners to educate and train the business community on use of a racial equity
toolkit.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #7)
Status Summary
City staff will continue to expand knowledge and use of the toolkit and update City Council as appropriate.
Additional racial equity toolkit training will be prepared for both City Council and the business community.
An implicit bias training will be provided to City board and commission members on December 2, 2020 at
5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Several other trainings and education and engagement events are scheduled to be hosted or sponsored by
the City of Iowa City in the coming months. For a list of upcoming events, please visit www.icgov.org/blm and
check under the “Upcoming Education + Engagement Events” section.
To stay up-to-date on City events, follow @CityofIowaCity on social media, and sign-up for e-mail or
SMS/text message notifications (visit www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions, enter your preferred method of contact,
and select “Equity and Human Rights” under “News and Events”).
Accomplishments
• July 22, 2020: Culturally Responsive Communication training delivered to 100+ members of the local
business community.
• July 23, 2020: Staff presented a memo on the City’s use of the racial equity toolkit to Council.
• August 26, 2020: Staff, in collaboration with the ACLU, conducted a Know Your Rights presentation
with area youth through the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
• September 9, 2020: Culturally Responsive Communication training delivered to area property
managers and businesses. Approximately 45 individuals participated.
• October 22, 2020: Culturally Responsive Communication training delivered to area property
managers and businesses. Approximately 50 individuals participated.
ACTION 7: CONTINUE USE OF RACIAL EQUITY TOOLKIT USE AND
EXPAND TRAINING TO CITY COUNCIL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
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Resolution
“Request and receive, by January 1, 2021, a report and recommendation from the CPRB, in consultation
with an attorney of its choice, regarding changes to the CPRB ordinance that enhance its ability to provide
effective civilian oversight of the ICPD, including but not limited to those that address compelling the
testimony of officers, with the report to include a summary of measures considered and rejected by the CPRB,
whether it be for policy or legal reasons.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #8)
Status Summary
This action is being directly coordinated by the City Council’s Community Police Review Board (CPRB).
Board members are engaging in ongoing conversation about measures or changes to be considered
and/or recommended.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
December 31, 2020 CPRB to deliver report and recommendation to the City
Council CPRB
*CPRB meeting dates subject to a quorum of members
Accomplishments
• September 2020: Complaints can be now be filed with the CPRB using a new, online web form.
The option to submit a hard copy form remains.
• September 21, 2020: Virtual Community Forum held by the CPRB to collect public input on the
Board’s role and ICPD policies, practices, and procedures.
• October 9, 2020: An informational report summarizing the 27-year history of the CPRB ordinance
and a history of complaints filed with the Board was included in the CPRB agenda packet.
ACTION 8: INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT
AUTHORITY OF CPRB, WHERE LEGALLY POSSIBLE
12
Resolution
“Direct staff to provide a detailed expenditure summary of the police budget on the City’s website.” (Res.
20-159, p. 2, #9)
Status Summary
Additional budget information was added to the Iowa City Police Department webpage in June of 2020.
That information is available on the Police Budget webpage. Staff will continue to increase transparency
about the Police Department operations through revised web content. Additional budget information will
be added with the release of staff’s proposed fiscal year 2022 budget.
In September 2020, additional information on ICPD calls for service and crime statistics were added to
the Police Department’s website. This data supplements existing statistics available on the Police
Department’s website and in the ICPD Annual Report.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Dec. 15, 2020 Update Police Department website with additional budget
and operational details
Staff
Accomplishments
• View additional fiscal year 2021 police department budget information (published June 2020).
• View additional fiscal year 2015 – 2019 Calls for Service + Crime Information
ACTION 9: IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY + ACCESSIBILITY OF
DETAILED ICPD BUDGET EXPENDITURES
13
Resolution
“Send the letter attached as Exhibit “A” to the Johnson County Sheriff supporting divestment of the MRAP
(Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle and obtain a report from city staff on the military grade
equipment in the ICPD’s inventory and the federal contracts that provide support to the police department.”
(Res. 20-159, p. 2, #10)
Accomplishments
• June 17, 2020: Mayor Teague submitted a letter to the Johnson County Sheriff supporting
divestment of the MRAP vehicle. A copy of the letter can be viewed here.
• August 20, 2020: City staff prepared a memo outlining federal contracts from 2017 to the
present, that provide support to the Iowa City Police Department.
• Staff delivered a memo on ICPD military grade equipment to City Council on September 10,
2020.
ACTION 10: REVIEW ICPD INVENTORY OF MILITARY-GRADE
EQUIPMENT + SUPPORT COUNTY DIVESTMENT OF MRAP
14
Resolution
“Direct the City Manager to expressly ban, in the ICPD’s general orders, any use of chokeholds or any other
maneuver that cuts off oxygen or blood flow.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #11)
Accomplishments
• CPRB last reviewed the Iowa City Police Department’s General Order on Use of Force at their
October 8, 2019 meeting. The board recommended changes and those were incorporated by the
Iowa City Police Department. The General Order was re-issued by the Police Department on
October 23, 2019.
• The Community Police Review Board approved an updated Use of Force General Order (G.O.)
at their August 19, 2020 meeting. The G.O. was re-issued by the ICPD on August 20, 2020.
ACTION 11: ADOPT ICPD GENERAL ORDER (G.O.) TO EXPRESSLY BAN
CHOKEHOLDS & ANY MANEUVER THAT CUTS OFF OXYGEN OR BLOODFLOW
15
Resolution
“Direct the City Manager to ensure the ICPD’s policy and practices regarding employment of officers is
consistent with the goals of recently enacted Iowa House File 2647 to ensure that officers working in Iowa
have not committed serious misconduct, as defined therein.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #12)
Status Summary
The Iowa City Police Department recruitment process already contains a robust background check process
that includes a review of past employment history. Candidates with a history of serious misconduct are not
considered for employment with the Iowa City Police Department. As the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
develops rules for the implementation of House File 2647, staff will adjust policies accordingly to ensure
complete compliance with the new law.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD – Dependent
upon when the State
of Iowa releases rules
Update Human Resource policies as needed to ensure
compliance with HF 2647
Staff
Accomplishments
ACTION 12: CONTINUE ICPD POLICY + PRACTICES REFLECT IA H.F. 2647,
ENSURING OFFICERS HAVE NOT COMMITTED SERIOUS MISCONDUCT
16
Resolution
“Direct the City Manager to review the systems and reporting mechanisms in place at the ICPD for evaluating
compliance with the ICPD’s Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Recorders general order, ensure that such
systems result in consistent compliance with the general order, revise as necessary to achieve that goal,
include real consequences for non-compliance, and report back to the Council upon completion of the
review.” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #13)
Accomplishments
• The Community Police Review Board reviewed and approved the General Order on Body
Cameras and In-Car Recorders at their February 11, 2020 meeting.
• The Community Police Review Board reviewed and approved an updated General Order on
Body Cameras and In-Car Recorders at their September 8, 2020 meeting.
• Staff delivered a report on the revised General Order related to body worn cameras and in-car
recorders, to City Council on September 10, 2020.
ACTION 13: EVALUATE COMPLIANCE + DISCIPLINARY ACTION
RELATED TO PROPER USE OF BODY CAMS AND CAR RECORDERS
17
Resolution
“Direct the City Manager to revise the ICPD’s general orders to require officers to intervene and stop
excessive force used by other officers and report the incident directly to a supervisor, and enter into a
memorandum of understanding with other law enforcement agencies regarding such intervention when the
excessive force is being used by an officer of another agency such as that currently being discussed and
circulated among area law enforcement attached as Exhibit “B”” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #14)
Accomplishments
• June 19, 2020: ICPD staff participated in joint work session between the NAACP and local, state,
and federal law enforcement agencies. At the joint work session, Iowa City joined five area law
enforcement agencies in signing a Duty to Intercede MOU.
• On July 14, 2020, the Community Police Review Board (CPRB) approved, with no changes, the
new Duty to Intervene and Report General Order provided by staff. An executed copy of that
General Order can be viewed online and has been issued to ICPD staff/officers.
ACTION 14: ENSURE DUTY TO INTERVENE & STOP EXCESSIVE
FORCE, BOTH IN ICPD AND MOU WITH AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT
18
Resolution
“Request and receive a report and recommendation from the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee, after
input from and consultation with local Black artists, on measures Council should consider to provide
opportunities for artistic expression by the Black Lives Matter movement and communities of color, including
but not limited to visual arts as well as a public festival dedicated to the celebration of Black culture.” (Res.
20-159, p. 3, #15)
Status Summary
At the August 18, 2020 regular meeting, City Council
considered a recommendation from the Public Art
Advisory Commission (PAAC) to proceed with a
proposal for a mural honoring the Black Lives Matter
Movement. The recommendation included a
presentation from the Center for Afrofuturist Studies on
the process of the project, which includes plans for
public input and participation. City Council approved a
resolution to proceed with the project.
Additionally, City Council discussed the naming of a
park after James Alan McPherson, a former resident of
Iowa City who was the first African-American writer to
win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and an influential
former professor emeritus at the Iowa Writer’s
Workshop. Council members invited the Parks & Recreation Commission to develop and introduce a
formal recommendation.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD City Council to consider a recommendation to name a city
park after James Alan McPherson. City Council, Parks and
Recreation Commission
TBD Community involvement in the public art project; details
forthcoming from the sponsoring groups.
PAAC, public, Public
Space One, Center for
Afrofuturist Studies
Spring 2021 Creation of the public art project, with expected completion
by the Spring of 2021.
PAAC, Sponsoring Groups,
Artists
ACTION 15: INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTIC
EXPRESSION BY COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
The mural is proposed to be located on the stair towers of
the Capitol Street Parking Ramp along Burlington Street.
19
Resolution
“Prohibit the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs against peaceful protestors.” (Res. 20-159, p.
3, #16)
Status Summary
Immediate direction has been provided to the Iowa City Police Department. Any policy update on this
item is on hold until the completion of the investigation in action item #4 of this resolution. Staff will use
the report of the June 3, 2020 events and City Council’s related discussion of these reports, to inform
their review of all policies and ensure any relevant updates to policies are completed.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD Receive and discuss report on June 3, 2020 protest
response
City Council
Accomplishments
ACTION 16: PROHIBIT THE USE OF TEAR GAS, RUBBER
BULLETS, AND FLASHBANGS AGAINST PEACEFUL PROTESTORS
20
Resolution
“Beginning in calendar year 2021, Juneteenth, June 19, shall be a city holiday and shall replace an existing
city holiday.” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #17)
Status Summary
Under State law, holidays are mandatory subjects of collective bargaining for public safety unions and
permissive subjects of bargaining for non-public safety unions. The City Manager’s Office will collaborate
with all three unions representing city employees to request that Juneteenth replace an existing holiday.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
October 1, 2020 Obtain needed agreements from unions to replace an
existing holiday with Juneteenth
Staff
Accomplishments
ACTION 17: ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH AS AN OFFICIAL CITY
HOLIDAY BEGINNING IN 2021
Item Number: 5.
October 29, 2020
Pen d ing City Cou n cil Work Session Topics
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Item Number: 6.
October 29, 2020
Memo from City Man ager: 2021 Affordab l e Housin g Pl an
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from City Manager: 2021 A ffordable Housing P lan
Item Number: 7.
October 29, 2020
Memo from City Man ager: Up d ate on Traffic En forcemen t G u idan ce
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from City Manager: Update on Traffic E nforcement Guidance
Item Number: 8.
October 29, 2020
Memo from Interim Police Ch ief and IC P D Sergeant-Train ing and
Accreditation: Iowa City Police Departmen t 2020 C AL E A Accred itation
Process
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from I nterim P olice Chief and I C P D S ergeant-Training and Accreditation: I owa City P olice
Department 2020 C A L E A Accreditation Process
Item Number: 9.
October 29, 2020
Social Ju stice & Racial Eq u ity Th ird Q u arter Up d ate (July - September 2020)
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Social J ustice & Racial Equity T hird Quarter Update (J uly - S eptember 2020)
Item Number: 10.
October 29, 2020
Civil Service Examin ation : Main ten ance Worker I - Streets
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Civil S ervice E xamination: Maintenance Worker I - Streets
Item Number: 11.
October 29, 2020
Cl imate Action Commission : O ctob er 5
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Climate A ction Commission: October 5
Item Number: 12.
October 29, 2020
Public Art Advisory Committee: O ctober 1
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Public A rt Advisory Committee: October 1