HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-01 Info Packet
City Council I nformation Packet
October 1, 2020
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
October 6 Work Session
IP2.Work Session Agenda
IP3.B L M & S ystemic Racism Detailed S tatus Report
IP4.Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP5.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Cares A ct -
Round 3 Community Development Block Grant - C V F unds
IP6.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on City
Assisted C O V I D Housing P rograms
IP7.Commercial New Construction P rogram: I owa City P ublic Works Facility
Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design Award
IP8.Press Release: Celebrate 30 years of the A D A with a virtual event on October 3
IP9.Press Release: Council L istening P ost - October 5
IP10.Press Release: Council L istening P ost - October 8
IP11.Press Release: Become an I owa City Climate Ambassador!
Draft Minutes
IP12.Climate A ction Commission: S eptember 8
IP13.Senior Center Commission: August 20
October 1, 2020 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
October 1, 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 1, 2020
Work Session Agen d a
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Work Session Agenda
Item Number: 3.
October 1, 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 1, 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
3
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 1, 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
City Council will hold a series of six listening posts on community policing. Each event will feature a
different area of focus, and relevant service providers will be present to contribute insight and expertise
to the conversation. Information on these listening posts and additional input opportunities are below:
COMMUNITY POLICING LISTENING POST EVENTS:
• Oct. 5, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.: Homelessness + GuideLink Access Center
Location: Chauncey Swan Park (405 E. Washington St.) | Hosted by: Thomas, Mims, Taylor
• Oct. 8, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.: Youth Engagement
Location: Dream City (611 Southgate Ave, Suite A) | Hosted by: Bergus, Teague, Salih
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY POLICING INPUT OPPORTUNITITES:
• Ongoing: Online public input form for community policing ideas (available until 10/15).
Stay up to date on policing input opportunities! Check www.icgov.org/BLM for updates, follow the City of
Iowa City on social media, and sign up for e-mail or SMS/text message notifications from the City!
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Sept – Oct. 2020 Various input opportunities. Details found above or online. Public, City council
Dec. 10, 2020 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).
ACTION 1: PRELIMINARY PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE ICPD
TOWARDS COMMUNITY POLICING
5
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.
Staff also continue to seek additional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings that could benefit
employees, board and commission members and the City Council.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Ongoing, Monthly Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
meetings and efforts
Staff
October 5, 2020 The 21-Day Equity Challenge begins: staff, board +
commission members, councilors, and members of the
community are invited to participate.
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
7
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
8
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 the commission will be announced at the October 6, 2020 City Council meeting.
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)
Oct. 6, 2020 Board & commission vacancies (including TRC) to be
announced at the regular, formal City Council Meeting
City Council
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.
ACTION 5: CREATE AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
COMMISSION TO CARRY OUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
9
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, legislative priorities, and share those with our elected State delegation and the Governor’s
Office. Staff are actively monitoring progress of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice
Reform and the NAACP / Iowa Police Chief’s Association Equity Committee.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
December 1, 2020 Adopt 2021 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
10
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.
Currently, the Department of Equity and Human Rights is hosting a series of Culturally Responsive
Communication training for area property managers and businesses, with the next opportunity scheduled for
October 14, 2020.
Recently, the City of Iowa City also contributed sponsorship funds to a Humanize My Hoodie Ally Workshop
hosted by the Iowa City Area Business Partnership. The City of Iowa City will pay the full registration fee for
the first 50 residents or businesses owners located in Iowa City to sign-up (use code “IowaCity” to take
advantage of this offer).
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
October 14, 2020 Advanced implicit bias training opportunity for local
landlords and members of the business community who
participated in the July 22 or Sept. 9 trainings.
Staff, landlords &
property managers,
business community
Upcoming City Events Promoting Racial Equity + Social Justice
• October 26: Book Discussion (An African American & Latinx History of the United States), hosted by the
Senior Center at 2 p.m. via Zoom. View the October Virtual Program Guide to register.
• November 4, 2020: Presentation by the African American Museum of Iowa on the Tuskegee Airmen,
at 1 p.m. via Zoom. Participation details coming soon.
• The Iowa City Public Library has launched an ongoing Read Woke Program (all ages) and is
providing a list of free movies about race, racism, and cultural identity available on Kanopy.
• January 9, 2020: Humanize my Hoodie Ally workshop, hosted through the Business Partnership.
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.
ACTION 7: CONTINUE USE OF RACIAL EQUITY TOOLKIT USE AND
EXPAND TRAINING TO CITY COUNCIL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
11
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 will be coordinated directly by the City Council’s Community Police Review Board (CPRB).
On September 21, 2020, the CPRB held a virtual Community Forum to hear views on Iowa City Police
Department policies, practices and procedures and the role of the Board.
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 hosted by the CPRB to collect public input on the
Board’s role and ICPD policies, practices, and procedures.
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: 4.
October 1, 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: 5.
October 1, 2020
Memo from Neig h b orhood & Devel opmen t Services Director: Cares Act -
Round 3 Community Develop ment Bl ock G rant - C V F unds
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Cares Act - Round 3 Community
Development B lock Grant - C V Funds
Item Number: 6.
October 1, 2020
Memo from Neig h b orhood & Devel opmen t Services Director: Up d ate on
City Assisted C O VID Housin g Programs
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on City Assisted C O V I D
Housing P rograms
Item Number: 7.
October 1, 2020
Commercial New Constru ction Prog ram: Iowa City Pu b l ic Works F acility
Excellen ce in Energ y Efficiency Desig n Award
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Commercial New Construction P rogram: I owa City P ublic Works Facility E xcellence in E nergy
Efficiency Design Award
Item Number: 8.
October 1, 2020
Press Rel ease: Celeb rate 30 years of th e AD A with a virtu al event on
O ctob er 3
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Press Release: Celebrate 30 years of the A D A with a virtual event on October 3
1
Ashley Platz
From:City of Iowa City <CityofIowaCity@public.govdelivery.com>
Sent:Wednesday, September 30, 2020 8:57 AM
To:Ashley Platz
Subject:Update: Celebrate 30 years of the ADA with a virtual event on Oct. 3
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/30/2020
Contact: Rachel Kilburg, ADA Coordinator
Phone: 319-356-5010
Update: Johnson County celebrates 30th Anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act with a virtual event Oct. 3
Update: This news release has been issued again after a previous version listed an incorrect date.
Issued: 09/29/2020
The Johnson County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration will be held at 2 p.m. on
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, via Zoom.
The event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the ADA and coincides with National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. The celebration will feature a keynote address by former U.S.
Senator Tom Harkin, chief author and sponsor of the ADA.
The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA provides
civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity for individuals
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with disabilities to access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government
programs and services, and telecommunications.
How to participate in the celebration
Register to attend in advance. Zoom meeting information will be e-mailed to event registrants before
the event.
Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the
City of Iowa City will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of
disability in its services, programs, or activities. Learn more and view the full ADA Public Notice at
www.icgov.org/accessibility.
Accessibility-related questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for accommodation can be
directed to Iowa City’s ADA Coordinator, at ADAcoordinator@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5010.
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in the areas of employment, credit,
education, housing, or public accommodations may also contact the Office of Equity and Human
Rights, at humanrights@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5022.
The Johnson County ADA Celebration is made possible through the efforts of Claiming Disability,
Inc., Combined Efforts, the ARC of Southeast Iowa, and the City of Iowa City.
Questions?
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Item Number: 9.
October 1, 2020
Press Rel ease: Cou n cil Listenin g Post - O ctob er 5
AT TAC HM E NT S :
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Press Release: Council L istening P ost - October 5
Item Number: 10.
October 1, 2020
Press Rel ease: Cou n cil Listenin g Post - O ctob er 8
AT TAC HM E NT S :
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Press Release: Council L istening P ost - October 8
Item Number: 11.
October 1, 2020
Press Rel ease: Become an Iowa City Cl imate Amb assad or!
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Press Release: Become an I owa City Climate Ambassador!
Item Number: 12.
October 1, 2020
Cl imate Action Commission : Sep temb er 8
AT TAC HM E NT S :
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Climate A ction Commission: S eptember 8
Item Number: 13.
October 1, 2020
Sen ior Cen ter Commission: Au g u st 20
AT TAC HM E NT S :
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Senior Center Commission: August 20
Preliminary Minutes
August 20, 2020
1
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
August 20, 2020
ELECTRONIC Formal Meeting
ZOOM MEETING Platform
Members Present: Lorraine Dorfman, Zach Goldsmith, Angela McConville,
George Nelson, Paula Vaughan
Members Absent: Linda Vogel, Scott Finlayson
Staff Present: LaTasha DeLoach, Kristin Kromray
Others Present: None
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or
impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff,
and the public presented by COVID-19.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by McConville at 4:12 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 16, 2020 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the July 16 , 2020 meeting. Motion
carried on a vote of 5/0. Vaughn/Goldsmith
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach reported the September program guide available next week. She
highlighted a handful of programs including 1840-1850’s buildings in Iowa City, a
virtual ice cream social for grandparent’s day, “So You Think You Want to Talk
about Race” book discussion, and programming for Latin American Heritage
month.
Preliminary Minutes
August 20, 2020
2
The consultants working on the building assessment continue to be in the
building and meeting with staff. DeLoach and believes in the next few months
she will be looking for input from commissioners.
DeLoach thanked the Commission for their letter of gratitude for the Senior
Center staff.
Nelson stated that he did not agree with the letter. He feels that staff is doing a
minimum of their jobs now that the Senior Center building is closed, and
programming is virtual, and they are not doing a anything beyond what is
expected of them. He stated he worked at the University of Iowa and no one ever
wrote him a thank you letter for doing his job so therefore he would not extend
that to Senior Center staff. Additionally, he felt that he was not consulted on the
letter. Moreover, he feels that decisions regarding the Senior Center are not
asked of the Commission and that DeLoach makes executive decisions and does
not ask for the approval of the Commission. He was also upset that the
Commission was not consulted in the decision to extend Senior Center
membership expiration dates out two months. He feels the policies the
Commission were asked to approve in previous months were only to protect the
Senior Center from being litigated. He said the previous coordinator had shown
him the policy handbook at one point and he believes her only motivation was to
keep the Senior Center from being sued. He noted that he still feels this way, but
coordinator DeLoach did seem to have more interests. He is also disappointed in
the City’s response to the storm collection and opposes having to bundle debris
and cut tree limbs to a certain length. Lastly, he noted if the proposed
renovations to the Senior Center are very expensive perhaps the building should
be in a different location.
McConville asked if Nelson would like his name removed from the letter. He
responded that he would.
McConville stated as an employee of North Liberty she could speak to her
experience during the pandemic and noted that all procedures and normalcy
were gone. She noted it is hard to work from home during this time and that there
was nothing easy about it. Additionally, she noted her appreciation for Senior
Center staff.
Dorfman said she felt the letter was very nice and she agreed it was a positive
way to thank staff. Dorfman also stated the role of the Commission is as an
advisory board, not as an executive board. McConville noted the purpose of the
Senior Center Commission can be found on the city’s website
(https://www.icgov.org/city-government/boards/seniorcenter-commssion).
McConville added another of the Commissions role is to speak about the Senior
Center to City Council, the Board of Supervisors, and the public about the Senior
Center.
Preliminary Minutes
August 20, 2020
3
Vaughn thought the letter was very well written and agreed with it. Goldsmith
asked Nelson that even if he did not completely agree with how everything is
done at the Senior Center wouldn’t he like to extend some kindness to the Senior
Center staff during this difficult time. Nelson reiterated he would not like his name
on the letter.
Nelson raised concerns about the City’s budget and if this was the right time for
the City to spend money on the Senior Center’s building plan. DeLoach noted
that things could change in the future but at the moment the City is moving
forward with getting a master plan together for the Senior Center building.
Currently there is CIP money in place for some renovations. Depending on the
cost of all renovations it will likely take many years to fulfill all priorities and
changes to the building. DeLoach also noted that she is choosing to stay
optimistic during this time. She wants to assist staff in moving forward with plans
at this time because she believes it is the best way to be a positive leader.
Nelson noted he does not think he will renew his Senior Center membership
since he cannot go to the building currently. He does not think the virtual
programs will be good long term and that there are seniors who are unable to
afford internet and devices. McConville there are other area resources to help
people with out internet. Additionally, she noted the Senior Center calling
members at the beginning of the pandemic and having phone in ability on virtual
programs.
Nelson stated he had received two different requests for absentee ballots.
Vaughn suggested he reach out to the county auditor’s office for clarification.
DeLoach said she thought it would be a good programming idea to have
someone from the auditor’s office do a program regarding the upcoming election.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioners asked that an update on the consults be added to the agenda
each month.
McConville asked if the Senior Center could send out information about the
Solarize Johnson County initiative.
Motion: To Adjourn.
Preliminary Minutes
August 20, 2020
4
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Name Term Expires 9/19/19 10/17/19 11/21/19 12/19/19 1/16/20 2/20/20 3/19/20 4/16/20 5/22/20 6/18/20 7/16/20 8/20/20
Kenn Bowen 12/31/19 NM NM NM X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Lorraine
Dorfman
12/31/21 NM NM NM X X X NM X X NM X X
Robert (Scott)
Finlayson
12/31/20 NM NM NM X X X NM X X NM X O/E
Zach Goldsmith 12/31/21 NM NM NM X X X NM X X NM X X
Angela
McConville
12/31/21 NM NM NM X X X NM X X NM O/E X
George Nelson 12/31/22 -- -- -- -- X X NM X X NM X X
Paula Vaughan 12/31/22 -- -- -- -- O/E X NM X X NM X X
Linda Vogel 12/31/20 -- -- -- -- X X NM X X NM X X
Hiram (Rick)
Webber
12/31/19 NM NM NM O/E -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Key: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a member