HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-27 Info Packet
City Council I nformation Packet
May 27, 2021
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
June 1 Work Session
IP2.Work Session Agenda
IP3.Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP4.B L M & S ystemic Racism Detailed S tatus Report
IP5.Press Release: W hy I owa City celebrates J uneteenth
IP6.Civil S ervice E xamination: Maintenance Worker I - Water Customer S ervice
Draft Minutes
IP7.Civil S ervice Commission: A pril 28
May 27, 2021 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
May 27, 2021
Council Ten tative Meeting Sched u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Subject to change
May 27, 2021
Date Time Meeting Location
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 4:00 PM Special Formal Executive Session Zoom Meeting Platform
Work Session
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Monday, July 19, 2021 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform
Hosted by ICCSD
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 3, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Item Number: 2.
May 27, 2021
Work Session Agen d a
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Work Session Agenda
Item Number: 3.
May 27, 2021
Pen d ing City Cou n cil Work Session Topics
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
May 27, 2021
Other Topics:
1. Evaluate need for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and other alternative revenues
2. Consider a plan for rubberized surfacing at park playgrounds and develop strategies to address equity gaps
noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and
safe distance of all residents.
3. Discuss possible changes to residential zoning classifications to allow and/or require a greater diversity of
housing types (i.e. missing middle)
4. Consider establishing a cost of development framework that can help guide decisions on how best to
accommodate future growth
5. Discuss development of a new comprehensive plan to promote housing affordability throughout the City
Item Number: 4.
May 27, 2021
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
May 27, 2021
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 ongoing; 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
Preliminary plan to restructure the police
Report on gas/flash bang use on protestors
CPRB Report on Recommended Changes
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: May 27, 2021
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
The Iowa City Preliminary Plan to Restructure the Police Towards community Policing is available online in
English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. A summary of the 36 recommendations and copy of the City
Manager’s presentation of the preliminary plan is also available on the City’s website.
Public input on the plan is being accepted through e-mail and an online survey. A plan is in progress for
additional, targeted outreach through a contracted party with cultural expertise to solicit feedback,
focusing on BIPOC populations who often face barriers to providing input.
The May 20, 2021 Community Connection program featured a discussion between Mayor Bruce Teague
and the Iowa City Police Chief on restructuring the Iowa City Police Department.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Ongoing Visit www.icgov.org/preliminaryplan to provide comments. Public
Accomplishments
• Sept. 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 – Oct. 8, 2020: Six separate Listening Posts held on community policing with focus areas
including homelessness, crisis intervention/mental health/substance abuse, victims of abuse, youth
engagement, the special needs population, and UI students.
• 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.
• Oct. 29, 2020: ICPD issued a special order to no longer initiate stops based on non-public safety
secondary violations. Public safety data concerning this guideline will be reviewed after 60 days.
• Dec. 15, 2020: City Council adopted an unbiased policing ordinance
• Dec. 15, 2020: A preliminary plan to accelerate community policing was released.
• May 11, 2021: Special Work Session to discuss preliminary plan recommendations and provide
further direction.
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.
The process for developing a new Affordable Housing Action Plan is underway and the committee is
meeting regularly. Future public input opportunities will be provided.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD Hold City Council work session to address specific allocations City Council
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 have implemented several improvements for more equitable hiring and recruitment and continue to
actively explore additional opportunities, such as those ideas outlined in the staff report.
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.
• October 2020: A new employment opportunities flyer (available in English, Spanish, French
(Africa), Arabic, and Swahili) was created and distributed to approximately 300 community
organizations and local contacts who reach diverse populations.
• Human Resources has been working with hiring to staff to implement changes since this report was
published, including:
o Requiring all interviews to include at least one question on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
o More consistent data collection on how candidates learn about positions.
o Providing hiring managers with current employee demographics at the beginning of the
hiring process as well as post-hire recruitment analysis reports.
o Providing candidates with interview prep time prior to the start of an interview.
o Providing candidates with “Interview Tips for Success” when scheduling interviews.
o Incorporating DEI evaluation criteria into employee performance evaluations
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
City Council held a special work session on March 23, 2021 where they discussed the recommendations
provided in the OIR Report and provided guidance on the next steps to be taken. Staff are moving
forward with implementing several recommendations per Council direction and are in the process of
updating any necessary policies or practices, for review by the CPRB and City Council.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Ongoing Staff and City Council working on recommendations City Council, Staff
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.
• January 28, 2021: Completed report from the OIR Group’s independent review delivered to City
Council.
• March 23, 2021: City Council held a special work session to discuss the recommendations in the
OIR Report and to provide guidance on next steps.
• April 15, 2021: Council Information Packet included a First Amendment analysis of protests
activity completed by the City Attorney’s Office.
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
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and are open
to the public. View agendas and more information online.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Bi-Weekly,
Thursday, 7 p.m.
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission Meetings TRC, Public
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.
• November 17, 2020: City Council appointed nine board members to serve two-year terms on the
TRC.
• December 21, 2020: First TRC meeting held.
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
The 2021 State legislative session adjourned on May 19, 2021. Staff will continue to seek opportunities
to advocate, educate, and advance these priorities during the interim.
Accomplishments
• June 19, 2020: Participated in joint work session between the NAACP and local, state and
federal law enforcement agencies.
• November 17, 2020: City Council adopted 2021 state legislative priorities, including support for
Policy changes recommended by the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform.
• November 23, 2020: City Council held a special work session to discuss the adopted priorities
with the legislators and contracted lobbyists.
• January – May 2021: City staff worked with state legislators, advocacy groups, and the City’s
contracted lobbyists to advance the City’s 2021 State legislative priorities. Unfortunately, many
of the City’s priorities were not considered and/or did not move forward.
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 needed.
The City continues to sponsor additional training opportunities for local businesses and organizations.
These trainings and other upcoming education and engagement events are listed at www.icgov.org/blm
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.
• 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.
• 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 13, 2020: The Office of Equity and Human Rights released an online fair housing
training, available on-demand at www.icgov.org/FairHousingTraining.
• October 22, 2020: Culturally Responsive Communication training delivered to area property
managers and businesses. Approximately 50 individuals participated.
• December 2, 2020: Implicit bias training was provided to City board & commission members
(approximately 21 people attended).
• February 11 and 18, 2021: Diversity and microaggressions training provided to staff, local
businesses and community members.
• April 29, 2021: Race, gender, and violence training provided free to area businesses and
organizations. Approximately 102 individuals participated.
• May 6, 2021: Power, privilege, and leadership training provided free to area businesses and
organizations. Approximately 72 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
At a March 23 special work session, City Council discussed each of the CPRB recommendations and
provided direction. The City Attorney’s Office will perform legal review on several recommendations
prior to further Council discussion. Staff are also working with the CPRB to request additional details on
some recommendations, per Council’s request.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
TBD City Council to consider future CPRB Ordinance
amendments based on additional details from the Board
City Council
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.
• December 22, 2020: CPRB delivered a report to City Council on proposed changes to the Board.
• April 2020: Per the CPRB’s recommendation, the ICPD began including additional information in
monthly reports (all complaints and compliments filed with the ICPD) and quarterly reports
(number and demographics of detained and arrested individuals) to the CPRB.
• May 4, 2021: City Council approved first consideration of CPRB ordinance amendment to
increase the filing window of a complaint to the CPRB to 180 days and to provide the
complainant an opportunity to respond to the Police Chief’s report. Second consideration is
scheduled for the May 18, 2021 City Council meeting.
• May 17, 2021: CPRB held their annual community form to collect public input.
• May 18, 2021: City Council approved an amendment to the CPRB Ordinance to lengthen the time
period to file a complaint and allow the complainant to respond to the Police Chief’s report.
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
Staff will continue to increase transparency about the Police Department operations through revised web
content and the annual budget book.
The preliminary plan to accelerate community policing released on Dec. 15, 2020 includes more
information about the Police Department’s operations and budget.
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)
Accomplishments
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.
The Administrative Rules related HF 2647 were released and are effective May 26, 2021. Upon review
of the published rules, staff have confirmed that the department’s employment and training policies and
procedures are already consistent and compliant with the new law.
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.
• Staff updated monthly Use of Force reports provided to the CPRB to indicate body camera and
in-car recording compliance on all Use of Force incidents.
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
The Public Art Advisory Committee has recommended
Oracles of Iowa City (coordinated by The Center for
Afrofuturist Studies and Public Space One) proceed with a
public art concept addressing systemic racism.
The public is invited to take a survey to provide input on the
project, which will include a mural, paid fellowships for black
artists, community conversation, and other opportunities. To
learn more and get involved, please visit
http://www.publicspaceone.com/oracles-ic-survey.
Additional opportunities to promote BIPOC artists are
ongoing with community partners, such as downtown
banners featuring artwork from BIPOC/immigrant artists.
Next Steps
Target Date Milestone Action Group(s)
Ongoing Oracles of Iowa City seeking public input on a community art
project addressing systemic racism:
http://www.publicspaceone.com/oracles-ic-survey
PAAC, public, Public
Space One, Center for
Afrofuturist Studies
Accomplishments
• August 18, 2020: City Council approved a resolution to proceed with a project in partnership with the
Center for Afrofuturist Studies.
• December 3, 2020: The Public Art Advisory Committee received a public art project concept and
approved a motion to move forward with the project with additional public input.
• March 16, 2021: City Council approved renaming of Creekside Park to James Alan McPherson Park.
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.
Policy updates will proceed based on ongoing Council discussion of and direction on various
recommendations (see action item #4), legal analysis when necessary, and CPRB and Council review of
proposed General Order changes.
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)
Accomplishments
Holidays are negotiated in the collective bargaining agreements with the City’s labor unions. The City
reached an agreement with the Police, Fire, and AFSCME unions to officially replace President’s Day (or
Washington’s Birthday) with the Juneteenth holiday. The City will also make the change for supervisory
and other non-bargaining unit staff.
The City will observe Juneteenth on June 19th annually as a City holiday. If June 19th falls on a weekend,
the City will observe it on the Friday preceding or the Monday following the June 19th date. The first
official recognition of Juneteenth as a formal City holiday will be Friday, June 18, 2021.
The City of Iowa City, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, and staff will be supporting, sponsoring, and
participating in events in various capacities for the 2021 Juneteenth Celebration in collaboration with
Johnson County and many other community partners.
ACTION 17: ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH AS AN OFFICIAL CITY
HOLIDAY BEGINNING IN 2021
Item Number: 5.
May 27, 2021
Press Rel ease: W hy Iowa City celeb rates Juneteenth
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Press Release: W hy I owa City celebrates J uneteenth
Item Number: 6.
May 27, 2021
Civil Service Examin ation : Main ten ance Worker I - Water Customer Service
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Civil S ervice E xamination: Maintenance Worker I - Water Customer S ervice
Item Number: 7.
May 27, 2021
Civil Service Commission : April 28
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Civil S ervice Commission: A pril 28