HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15 Bd Comm minutesCITY OIF IOWA CITY
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June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Climate Action Commission: April 5
Item Number: 5.a.
MINUTES
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
FORMAL MEETING
FINAL
APRIL 5, 2021 —3:30 PM—
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible
or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission
members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
ELECTRONIC MEETING
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
Madeleine Bradley, Stratis Giannakouros, Megan Hill, Kasey
Hutchinson, Matt Krieger, Jesse Leckband, Becky Soglin
Ben Grimm, Grace Holbrook, John Fraser, Eric Tate
Sarah Gardner, Ashley Monroe, Mohsen Vahidzadeh
Ayman Sharif
Giannakouros called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 1, 2021 MINUTES:
Krieger moved to approve the minutes from March 1, 2021.
Soglin seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Ayman Sharif asked to address the City's public buildings. He noted that the School Board
decided Roosevelt Elementary be sold to a developer rather than staying with the community
after hot debate. Sharif felt this decision makes it harder for the climate action committee to
reinvest in these buildings. He stated this building is very important to save, specifically for the
historic characteristic of the building and the climate action need for this. Sharifs ask to the
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
Page 2 of 9
School Board to save the building failed, though there were a lot of people from the community
who also called to save the building. He asked the school district to delay the sale for
cost/benefit analysis that includes the social and environmental costs/benefits. That did not
happen, and the building was sold. Sharif asked this Commission to hold onto these types of
buildings (which are scarce) or find a way to at least to delay losing similar buildings that can
benefit from climate action.
Giannakouros said he was unfamiliar with this event but thought they could look into it and have
some discussion at the May meeting.
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action Items from last meeting: Gardner said at the last meeting they discussed having staff
members join the working group meetings to go over the updates to the Accelerated Actions
work plan. She sat in on the Equity, Adaptation, and Outreach Working Groups, and they
postponed joining the Buildings Working Group until next month when both she and Vahidzadeh
will be able to attend.
Fraser and Giannakouros also said at the last meeting they would draft a letter reflecting the
Commission's decision about the Methane Feasibility Study. This letter could be passed along
to City Council. A draft of that letter was included in the agenda packet to be discussed later in
the meeting.
Gardner also agreed to follow up with Hutchinson and Giannakouros on the climate action
grants, as they had graciously volunteered to help score them. They had that first meeting about
scoring today. There are 25 grant applications to review.
Staff asked at the previous meeting that any working group that would like to have their minutes
included in the agenda packet submit them by March 26. Gardner received minutes from the
Outreach Working Group and the Buildings Working Group, both of which were included in the
agenda packet.
The last meeting ended with Giannakouros reminding everyone that Dr. Robert Bullard was
going to be speaking at the University of Iowa. He invited anyone who was interested to attend
that virtual lecture to do so.
Climate Action and Outreach office updates: Gardner began with an update on the TIF -
funded climate action incentive program, which is underway and has received 10 applications
so far. They are connecting applicants with MidAmerican Energy to identify additional energy
efficiency projects and rebate information. The first project is one submitted by Procter and
Gamble to replace an old, inefficient air compressor on one of their manufacturing lines. They
sent interesting energy data about the air compressor. This proposal will be brought before City
Council this month for approval.
Gardner said work is continuing on the Earth Day Neighborhood Energy Blitz, with a door-to-
door campaign taking place on April 24. On April 25 they are partnering with the Neighborhood
Association to have a booth to allow anyone who didn't receive a kit at their doorstep to pick one
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Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
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up. The supplies for the kits have been ordered and the print materials are in production. They
translated all the print material into four additional languages. Kit assembly will begin on Friday.
They haven't had quite as many volunteers sign up as initially anticipated. However, they have a
plan B where they will take the number of volunteers and assign them to some of the zones that
they've identified to drop off kits in the neighborhood. If there are any zones that they can't
reach because they don't have enough volunteers, the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team will deliver
the kits in the remaining zones during the week following.
Regarding the marketing RFP, Gardner reported they have finalized the contract and work is
underway. It was awarded to a firm named Cause Impact (referred to in the original bid as
Balanced Approach). Staff had an initial meeting with them to refine the project scope. They
have been having ongoing meetings every other week since then to go over all the City
marketing material and to talk about goals for the project. It is proceeding fairly quickly; at the
last meeting Cause Impact suggested that they may be able to have a presentation ready on
the benefits and barrier analysis by the June meeting for the Commission. Staff has been
working with them to identify key community-based organizations to connect with to help identify
the key barriers and benefits for priority actions.
For the energy efficiency building projects, Gardner noted at the last meeting they discussed a
rehab project that was proposed for a duplex on Taylor Drive that is now well underway. The
project has two parts. One half of the duplex suffered a house fire, so they are doing energy
efficiency interventions from the studs up on that half, including adding insulation and putting in
energy efficient windows and appliances. On the other half of the duplex they won't be adding
insulation in the walls the same way, but they will be focusing a lot on the energy efficient
appliances. Both sides of the duplex will have solar panels installed. The City is also partnering
with Backyard Abundance to do a landscaping project in the front of the house. Gardner noted
the whole goal of the differing approaches on either half of the duplex is to present a range of
options, and to convey that to pursue energy efficiency residents don't have to do all of these
things at once; they can do some now, and some later.
Gardner previously mentioned that the City is partnering with Parade of Homes to identify a
project that showcases energy efficiency interventions. They have selected a builder called
Elevation Homebuilders. This builder has a number of interventions planned for the property,
including dead zone HVAC, smart switches and thermostat, 100% LED lighting throughout the
house, E -V charging preparation, and a process called AeroBarrier sealing, which involves
pressurizing a home and disbursing insulating material throughout the house to seal up cracks.
Regarding the climate action grants, Gardner stated they received 25 applications this year and
staff are starting to review through them. They hope to finish scoring the grants within the next
two weeks and make determinations from there. They have extended the application period for
school groups so that students can submit applications for the coming month. Staff extended
that so they can focus more on providing some assistance to school groups who would like to
apply or students who would like to do that work and therefore they are not competing in the
same pool of applicants as the other larger grant requests that came in from businesses and
organizations.
Gardner noted the City has signed up to co -host the first virtual power hour this month with
Grow Solar Linn in Johnson County. One of the City's Climate Ambassadors signed on as a
presenter of some of the future solar power hours.
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
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Concerning the EV Readiness, Gardner said this month Iowa City and the partner communities
have been individually going through all the information that was gathered during the
stakeholder engagement activity. They have been identifying which actions they believe they
can implement within the short term, medium term and long term for their communities. That
project also will be wrapping up in the next few months with an anticipated draft report to come
out in May.
The carbon sequestration project that staff have been working on is also winding down. The tool
is in the final stages of development and they'll convene to share the tool with other
sustainability programs throughout the Heartland Regional Network. They have identified a
capstone project as part of that grant to plant trees in Court Hill Park and along Normandy Drive
to replace trees that were damaged by the Derecho or by Emerald Ash Borer.
Next, Vahidzadeh said staff keep track of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory every year. He has
started the process for 2020 and is gathering data from many different departments. Then, he'll
go through all of the data and see how successful they've been in terms of reaching the goals of
reducing GHG emissions. Vahidzadeh noted that not all data will be available, and some of it
needs to be validated. For example, both MiclAmerican and the DOT need to validate their data
in terms of vehicle miles traveled, which might take a while. Vahidzadeh stated they have also
been keeping track of operations of different City -owned facilities in terms of water usage and
energy usage to see if the measures that they've taken such as using LED lighting have
resulted in any improvement. They have a tool at the City where they can keep track of all the
bills, both energy and water, and see how effective the measures are in terms of reducing
energy and water usage. He noted Climate Action staff also have meetings with City staff in
other departments to encourage measures to reduce GHG emissions from City operations.
Vahidzadeh noted that after analysis of GHG inventory for the calendar year of 2020, they'll use
the analysis in the report that they submit every two years to be compliant with the requirements
for the Global Covenant of Mayors. This is a major report that will be submitted in the fall.
Gardner noted a few remaining items that are ongoing projects. In recent months there has
been ongoing discussion about the equity report worked on by the City's Equity Fellow last year.
They are in the final stages of condensing it into a more usable form. Staff anticipates bringing
that draft to the Equity Working Group this month and including it in next month's agenda packet
for the Commission to review.
Gardner reported the City has a new part-time Communications Assistant, Olivia Parrott, who's
been helping with the most recent sustainability newsletter. She also has been putting together
some materials to go out for the Energy Blitz.
Gardner said the next smart series presentation with the Iowa City Chamber Business
Partnership is May 11 and will discuss LED lighting. The focus of the presentation is not only on
the energy savings in terms of the lighting uses itself, but also the beneficial impacts LED can
have on heating and cooling costs.
Recruitment is underway with Green Iowa AmeriCorps for members who will be joining in the
fall. There will be three summer members who've signed on and will be starting on May 17 to
help with projects through the summer. Gardner explained AmeriCorps members each have a
certain number of hours to fill according to their contracts. Once those hours are filled, they are
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Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
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done. Those who have been members since last fall tend to complete the program at different
times, and the summer members help bridge the gap until the fall team starts.
Gardner reported the second cohort of Climate Ambassadors just completed their training last
week. The Commission looks forward to meeting with them in the future at volunteer events.
Krieger asked the completion time for the rehab program. Gardner said it is supposed to be
completed May 31. Krieger suggested there be a specific outreach plan associated with it for
how information about the project is spread. Gardner responded they are looking at typical
channels. They had initially discussed putting together a website that would focus on it as it was
making progress, but the progress moved so quickly. That, combined with the fact that the City
is looking to change its web hosting platform and not add web pages, curtailed that a bit. They
have been documenting the process with the hopes of developing some outreach strategies
around the project going forward. Krieger noted the highly -viewed Climate Fest video last year,
and suggest there be something similar for Climate Fest 2021.
Krieger also said he is really excited about the Energy Blitz project. This is because it fulfills a
Commission goal to make dramatic change across the community directly and campaign -style.
Krieger stated it could be a nice pilot to test how that type of activity works. He is really
interested to see the results.
Giannakouros said he is really interested to see the upcoming report on City emissions because
this is an unprecedented experiment in terms of how the pandemic changed behaviors. He
noted that it is going to be interesting to see in what ways the data did or didn't move due to the
way behavioral patterns have changed over the past year. He thinks that carbon machines just
keep eating carbon no matter what. So, they need to change the architecture of the system -
and behavior is a small part of that. He's interested to see how the City emissions data plays
out.
Gardner mentioned an article that came out last week in Midwest Energy News reporting Ann
Arbor, Michigan, is getting ready to do something very similar to Iowa City's Energy Blitz. Ann
Arbor is delivering kits to 200 homes, so she feels quite good about Iowa City's 1,300 -home
initiative.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review draft letter to the City Council on the Methane Feasibility Study: Giannakouros
said he and Fraser put together a rough letter. They tried to keep it concise and wanted the
Commission to look at it and comment. Their goal was to say that the study of itself was
important, regardless of whether the City takes action or not, because it gives a great
benchmarking baseline for anything else the City does climate -related in terms of investment. It
can be benchmarked against the cost and reductions in this study for facilities, and it also tells a
little bit about the water facility and the landfill going forward. Giannakouros noted that, as
discussed, the Commission is not going to move forward at this time with any sort of
recommendation to make investments, but that they appreciate the project.
Krieger thanked Giannakouros and Fraser for drafting this. He noted it sounds like there was
discussion that the Commission didn't want to provide any sort of detailed reasoning why not to
provide the recommendation and to just keep it simple.
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
Page 6 of 9
Giannakouros confirmed that if Council wants more information as to why the Commission
came to the determination, they could do that. However, for the Commission to talk about the
ROI and different scenarios in any length and with expertise in a letter like this would probably
be more of a technical undertaking. That was their opinion -- if other Commissioners want to go
into more detail, they can definitely put more detail in the lettter.
Krieger agreed with this approach at this time. He said that if more is requested, they could
provide it at that point.
Giannakouros suggested they add a sentence that invites asking the Commission for more
information. They could also leave it as is and assume that they have pre -formed questions.
Soglin stated she would appreciate one sentence being added. When she read through it, she
felt they were making a big recommendation as the report was quite thorough. So, they need to
have a good reason for telling the City not to pursue any of the scenarios. Soglin reviewed the
minutes to see if there were certain brief sentences that might provide some explanation
quickly, but also would be fine with at least a sentence being added saying the Commission
would be willing to offer more explanation if requested. Her reasoning was that it was such a
detailed study and staff and the consultants took so much time to meet with the Commission.
Giannakouros stated he was happy to make that modification, as it would be a way of showing
their willingness and engagement with this issue and provide a more detailed explanation for the
reasoning if requested.
Giannakouros made a motion to edit the letter within the parameters that Soglin
suggested and then send this letter to City Council.
Leckband seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Update on Working Groups:
Buildings: Soglin stated they had thought they might be drafting a memo related to the TIF
policy and the sustainability paragraph in that policy. The topic was about whether LEED
renovation would be covered as part of the TIF policy, but Wendy Ford talked with them about,
and the issue is far more complicated. At this time any memo is just on is on hold. However, the
Building Group needs to talk about it again. They will be meeting with Gardner on Friday.
Outreach: Krieger stated the working group meeting notes that were included in the agenda
packet were just discussions around the items that Gardner provided an update on today.
However, she went into more depth on how the Ambassador Program is doing --it's great to hear
that's been so successful so far. He just wanted to note applications right now are open for the
third cohort. Additionally, it was good to hear updates on the climate action grants. Krieger
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
Page 7 of 9
noted the Working Group is going to start reviewing all the climate actions and bring forward a
few items from each member of the working group to look at in more detail.
Equity: Hutchinson noted they had been stuck in a rut and spinning their wheels on the same
topics consistently. But this last meeting was really a kickstart thanks to Gardner who got them
back on track. They too are going to be reviewing the actions and bringing forward three items
to really put their focus on this year. Hill will also be joining the Equity Working Group.
Adaptation: Bradley talked about how they wanted to define adaptation within the group and
decided that they wanted to make sure the quality -of -life perspective was included in their
definition. They talked about who they might want to potentially reach out to from the community
and outlined some goals for the rest of the meetings.
Giannakouros noted there's a lot of things in adaptation that end up overlapping with the work of
other groups such as buildings, for example just reducing the energy footprint of buildings. But
adaptation is not just a technical challenge to physically adapt, but also thinking about socially
how they envision a different future. So, adaptation can be seen as responding to climatic
changes in a way that preserves their way of life-- making quality of life better regardless of
coming climate disturbances. He believes that part of that is thinking about ways to have
healthy, walkable, livable cities that are attractive and that people want to live in. When
changing infrastructure and changing systems, they need to have an eye towards not just
responding to high -degree days, or flood events, but responding to the opportunity for Iowa City
to re -envision the spaces people live in. To reach that goal requires hearing different voices
from people who are technically sound and understanding how to deal with increased
stormwater, how to create shade cover for hot days, or will there be more derechos. They need
to think about ideally what would a community that they live in would look like. If they can get
there in this group, this group can complement things that are going on in buildings and other
groups already.
Gardner added at that meeting they also talked about reaching out to Ursula Farrier, who had
done some work as a graduate student at the University of Iowa analyzing potential existing
structures that could serve as resilience hubs in the future, or as shelters in the case of
emergency. She has agreed to make a presentation at the next meeting. So, they'll be kick
starting the efforts by listening to her presentation and asking some questions.
RECAP OF ACTIONABLE ITEMS FOR COMMISSION, WORKING GROUPS, AND STAFF:
Gardner stated they will be adding a sentence to the letter going to City Council, offering a more
detailed explanation if requested regarding the methane feasibility study.
At the beginning of the meeting Ayman Sharif offered some comments on retaining public
buildings and how that might relate to climate action. It was suggested the topic be discussed in
the working groups and then discussed at the next meeting.
Gardner reminded all working groups that if they would like to have their minutes included in the
next agenda packet, please get them to her by April 23.
Giannakouros agreed it would be nice to have something on the agenda next month regarding a
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
Page 8 of 9
broader discussion of the public buildings and their relation to climate action.
Giannakouros also stated the UI is inviting Ayana Johnson to lecture. She's an ocean biologist
who helps species conservation, but in a way that helps communities that are usually left aside
or are disproportionately impacted by these issues, and don't have an economic voice,
especially when they're not engaged with an ocean directly. She is going to be someone that
that the Climate Commission might be interested in seeing.
Gardner added that they use Dr. Ayana Johnson's work as a cohost of a podcast called How to
Save a Planet in the Climate Ambassador training. She said hands -down, it is the most well-
received information. So, several Climate Ambassadors are really quite excited to listen into that
lecture.
Krieger noted since there's not a lot of in-person events happening quite yet, there's still a lot of
virtual things happening for Earth month which are posted on the City website. Hill is working on
Earth Fest which starts April 11.
Giannakouros stated they can send anything his way and he can help advertise events on
campus.
ADJOURNMENT:
Krieger made a motion to adjourn.
Hill seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2021
8
P
N
N
V9
W
V
ll1
N
Ol
NAME
TERM EXP.
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NN
O
O
O
O
IQ
O
N
O
FJ
O
NJ
O
O
O
O
Madeleine Bradley
12/31/2022
xx
x
X
John Fraser
12/31/2020
x
x
x
O/E
Stratis
Giannakouros
UI Rep
x
0/E
x
X
Megan Hill
12/31/2022
x
x
O/E
X
8
Climate Action Commission
April 5, 2021
Page 9 of 9
Grace Holbrook
12/31/2021
0/E
0/E
O/E I
O/E
Kasey Hutchinson
12/31/2022
x
x
x
X
Matt Krieger
12/31/2020
x
x
x
X
Jesse Leckband
MidAmerican
Rep
O/E
x
x
X
Becky Soglin
12/31/2022
x
x
x
X
Eric Tate
12/31/2021
x
0/E
O/E
O/E
Ben Grimm
10/31/2022
x
x
x
O/E
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No
Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Community Police Review Board: May 11
Item Number: 5.b.
Final/Approved
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — May 11, 2021
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 Board members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair David Selmer called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerri MacConnell, Latisha McDaniel, Amanda Nichols,
Orville Townsend
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Chris Olney, Legal Counsel Patrick Ford
STAFF ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Townsend, seconded by MacConnell, to adopt the consent calendar as amended.
• Minutes of the meeting on 4/14/21
• ICPD General Order 01-01 (Bias -Based Policing)
• ICPD General Order 17-03 (Firearms)
• ICPD Memorandum- Quarterly Summary report IAIR/CPRB, 3rd & 4th Qtr 2020
• ICPD Memorandum- Quarterly Summary report IAIR/CPRB, 1st Qtr 2021
• ICPD Use of Force Review/Report March
Nichols noted that a correction to the minutes needed to be made, she had offered to contact
potential advocates and mediators not lawyers. MacConnell also indicated she did not state that
she needed additional information regarding CALEA as she had participated in the audit review
process.
Nichols suggested changes to ICPD General Order 17-03 (Firearms) Section IV, Section A.
General Requirements which states All on -duty sworn personnel, whether uniform or non-
uniform, shall be armed with a departmentally approved duty handgun. She would like to add
under the exceptions to allow officers to have the discretion to not carry a firearm into specific
situations. Selmer asked Chief Liston to comment on this suggestion.
Chief Liston stated the Board could suggest the change to the policy, however he would be hard
pressed to approve officers not carrying a weapon as it is never known what a call can entail or
how it could evolve, and that he also has a duty to allow officers to protect themselves as well
as the public.
Nichols stated she did not feel it would take away from an officer being able to protect
themselves. She would like the officer to have the discretion to determine that their weapon is
not necessary in a situation such as entering a school for a student's behavioral issue.
CPRB
May 11, 2021
Final/Approved
MacConnell felt officers need their firearms even if entering a school, noting recent school
shootings as an example. Chief Liston explained there are at least 300 million privately owned
guns in this country and not every State requires a license to carry a gun, so there are people
that have guns that you do not know about.
Townsend felt officers should carry weapons to protect themselves as well as the public, adding
you can never know what could happen in any situation. He also noted it would be beneficial to
enhance officer training. Chief Listen explained the police department puts major focus on
training including de-escalation, use of force policy as well as understanding the dynamics of
being in schools.
McDaniel understood the General Order as being an officer is obligated to carry a weapon at all
times, she agreed with Nichols that it should be the officer's discretion as to if a weapon is
needed in a certain situation.
After further discussion the Board agreed to not recommend any changes to ICPD General
Order 17-03 (Firearms) as was suggested by Nichols.
Nichols stated she had numerous significant suggestions for policy changes to General Order
01-01 (Bias -Based Policing) she would like to change the policy of the police department to be
that police will interfere with members of the public only when assistance is requested, or when
there is an articulable and imminent risk to public safety instead of anytime they have reason to
think that any kind of crime is being committed. She believes that Iowa City Police department
has a history of disproportionate policing and would like the policy changed to say that members
of the public will only be detained when there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that they have
committed or are considering a dangerous infraction of the law. She felt the focus of the police
should be as being there to keep people safe not looking to catch people doing something.
Townsend voiced his concerns about the suggestion of police not getting involved unless there
is a dangerous situation, or they are asked for assistance. Selmer noted police policies and
procedures are on a constitutional level, and that there are constitutional protections in place
that prohibit crossing that line. He felt the proposed changes of saying, unless it's an article of
danger raises more questions such as what if there is a crime that might not be considered
dangerous, but police need to be out there protecting and being present.
Nichols noted there are police stops for simple infractions such as public intoxication and
substance abuse. She would like to shift focus to protecting the public rather than to prioritize
these types of arrests. MacConnell noted there is new program where the police can take
people who are intoxicated and need treatment rather than taking them to jail. Chief Liston
explained the Guide Link Center as an available alternative jail option, noting in 2019 there were
465 public intoxication arrest and in 2020 there were 186 so the focus has changed and often
times police try to get them to someplace other than jail.
Townsend felt it was important that policy changes should reflect being fair to the public as well
as the police officers.
McDaniel stated she felt a majority the Board put too much emphasis on the needs of police
officers versus that of the community. She felt the top priority should not be protecting the
police. She agreed with Nichols approach to policy changes that are more equitable to the
community and that lean toward protecting the public.
CPRB
May 11, 2021
Final/Approved
In regard to McDaniel's comment, Selmer stated he felt there is a balance to be found on both
sides. Townsend agreed stating it should be fair to both sides.
Selmer suggested adding this to next meeting New Business to be discussed further.
Nichols will prepare a draft letter detailing proposed policy change recommendations for the
Board to review at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
ICPD General Order 89-05 (Radio Communications Procedures)
Nichols stated she would like to suggest adding the option for "text" to OPS -01.2 , Section II .
Item C. which states_VECC shall provide the Iowa City community with twenty-four (24) hour toll
free voice and TDD telephone access system for emergency call service." Chief Liston noted
emergency call communication methods were run by Johnson County Emergency
Communications Center and once the recommendation was received, he would reach out to
JECC.
Motion by Townsend, seconded by McDaniel to draft a recommendation letter to
Police Chief Liston proposing to add the language for text" option to General Order 89-05
(Radio Communications Procedures).
Motion carried, 5/0.
Nichols will draft a recommendation letter to Police Chief Liston for the Board to review at the
next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
ICPD General Order 99-08 (Body Worn Cameras and In -Car Recorders)
Selmer explained his proposed request to change General Order 99-08 was to have the CPRB
be allowed to review all incidents where a body -worn or in -car camera was not activated or was
deactivated to ensure it was not done so intentionally. Selmer noted Legal Counsel Ford had
concerns about it expanding the CPRBs authority which is governed by the City Council through
an ordinance. Selmer felt it was an important recommendation and that it should be presented
to Council as a proposed ordinance change.
The Board agreed to have Selmer and Legal Counsel Ford draft a proposed ordinance
amendment change to be reviewed by the Board at the next meeting.
Discussion of CPRB Recommendations to the City Council
Recommendations to be considered after information is received from the CPRB
on items #8, 9 and 10.
Item #8. The CPRE should have the authority to hire an independent auditor every 9 - 2 years to
review the Police Departments internal investigation procedures or for immediate procedural
issues. - City Council requested that Police Staff review the CALEA accreditation process with
the CPRB. With that information, the Council would like to better understand when and how
another audit process might be used by the CPRB.
Selmer asked Board members if they had reviewed the CALEA website and if they thought
CALEA accreditation review process was sufficient. Selmer felt it was a thorough investigation
CPRB
May 11, 2021
Final/Approved
process and suggested withdrawing the request for an additional independent auditor, Nichols
agreed. Townsend asked Chief Liston if there was a report available. Chief Liston will provide
the CALEA reports to the Board.
Selmer asked Board members to familiarize themselves with the CALEA auditing report to be
discussed at the next meeting.
Item #9. The CPRE shall be provided city funding to promote awareness of the CPRB and
enhance accessibility to its services. (Le. outreach, streamed meetings on Facebook, website
enhancements, bl-annual community forums, CPRB contact info printed on all Officer cards,
awareness events, and CPRB information provided to each person issued a citation or at the
time they are released from custody in the event they were arrested) - City Council requested
that the CPRB propose an annual budget amount for consideration.
Selmer noted the sub -committee of Nichols and McDaniel had prepared a draft of proposed
budget categories which was included in the meeting packet. He asked for a volunteer to
prepare an estimated cost for promoting awareness of the CPRB. Townsend volunteered to
research cost of adding CPRB complaint information to the back of police department business
cards.
Item #10. The City shall provide complainants access to a lawyer and social worker/medical
professional with trauma awareness training for purposes of assisting complainants throughout
the complaint process. - The City Council requested that the CPRB investigate how the social
worker/medical professional services would be secured and provide an estimated cost for such
services in the above-mentioned budget request.
Nichols reported she had researched mediation services and Eastern Iowa would be willing to
contract with the City and could offer a process that would include meeting with both parties, the
complainant and the officer ahead of time to hear their perspectives, how the process works and
help the parties determine whether coming together is appropriate in the case.
Selmer noted the recommendation was for the complainant to have access to a lawyer/social
worker/and medical professional with trauma awareness training to act as advocates for helping
a complainant through the complaint process, he did not recall it being for a mediator. Selmer
also noted the Council had requested the CPRB investigate how the social worker/medical
professional services would be secured and provide an estimated cost for those services. He
felt the Board should concentrate on what was suggested.
Nichols stated she had reached out to the Guide Link Center and Abby Community Health
Center which are reviewing the idea, and also the VA Center for Access & Delivery Research
and Evaluation and Delivery (CADRE) who is interested in attending a CPRB meeting to provide
information on a system of care groups with contacts that would be interested in being a part of
a program like this. Selmer stated it seemed like progress was being made on people that would
be stepping in to fill that role.
Selmer asked Nichols to report back at the next meeting with more information and the cost of
services.
Selmer asked for a volunteer to research providing complainants access to a lawyer and the
cost for services.
CPRB
May 11, 2021 Final/Approved
Townsend stated he still had concerns on the City providing a lawyer for the complainant, he felt
it was like asking for a lawsuit. MacConnell felt if a lawyer was involved it could result in a trial
like presentation to the Board. Legal Counsel Ford pointed out the Board function was never
meant to be any sort of trial and advised if a complainant was appointed a lawyer there should
be an understanding of what that lawyer's duty and role would be.
McDaniel stated she felt the complainant should be provided legal guidance as well as mental
emotional assistance. McDaniel offered to talk to legal aid and report back to the Board.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
BOARD INFORMATION
None.
STAFF INFORMATION
Olney reminded the Board of the upcoming Community Forum to be held via Zoom on Monday,
May 17th at 5:30 p.m.,
Olney noted the City Council expressed openness to having individual boards and commissions
move to in-person meetings and if a board or commission expressed such a desire, staff
liaisons are expected to review safety protocols with the City Manager's Office prior to final
authorization and that Communications staff is exploring ways to fully develop and implement
plans for video recording and/or livestreaming all boards and commission meetings.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• May 17, 2021, 5:30 PM, Community Forum Electronic Zoom Meeting
• June 8, 2021, 5:30 PM, Electronic Zoom Meeting
• July 13, 2021, 5:30 PM, Electronic Zoom Meeting
• August 10, 2021, 5:30 PM, Electronic Zoom Meeting
Motion by Selmer, seconded by MacConnell directing staff to schedule a tentative special
meeting for Wednesday, May 26th at 6:00 pm.
Motion Carried, 5/0.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Selmer, seconded by Townsend.
Motion carried, 5/0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2020 - 2021
(Meeting Date)
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
6/9/20
7/14/20
8/18/20
9/8/20
9/21/20
10/15/20
10/23/20
11/10/20
12/8/20
12/22/20
1/12/21
2/9/21
3/9/21
3/26/21
4/14/21
5/11/21
NAME
FORUM
Jerri
O
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MacConnell
Latisha
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O
X
X
McDaniel
Amanda
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Nichols
David
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Selmer
Orville
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
Item Number: 5.c.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Community Police Review Board: May 26
Final/Approved
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - May 26, 2021
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 Board members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
CALL TO ORDER: Jerri MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Latisha McDaniel, Amanda Nichols, Orville Townsend (6:07 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Selmer
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Chris Olney/Kellie Fruehling, Legal Counsel Patrick Ford
STAFF ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by McConnell, seconded by Townsend to adjourn into Executive Session based on Section
21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or
federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's
possession or continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential
personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school
districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized
elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of government, to
the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to
that government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 4/0, Selmer absent. Open session adjourned at 6:07 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION
Returned to open session at 6:52 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Nichols, seconded by McDaniel
Motion carried, 4/0, Selmer absent.
Meeting adjourned at 6:54 P.M.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2020 - 2021
(Meeting Date)
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
6/9
7/14
8/18
9/8
9/21/20
10/15
10/23
11/10
12/8
12/22
1/12/21
2/9/21
3/9/21
3/26/21
4/14/2
5/11/2
5/17/21
5/26/21
NAME
FORUM
1
1
Forum
Jerri
O
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MacConnell
Latisha
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O
X
X
O
X
McDaniel
Amanda
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Nichols
David
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O
Selmer
Orville
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Library Board of Trustees: April 22
Item Number: 5.d.
Qw4t ICDA CITY
� PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 S. Linn St. • Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356.5200 • icpl.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Electronic Regular Meeting
April 22, 2021
FINAL/APPROVED
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 board members, staff, and the
public presented by COVID-19.
Members Present: Wesley Beary, John Beasley, Kellee Forkenbrock, Carol Kirsch, Robin
Paetzold, Tom Rocklin, Hannah Shultz, Monique Washington.
Members Absent: Derek Johnk.
Staff/Others Present: Doug Brenner, Elsworth Carman, Mara Cole, Karen Corbin, Melody Dworak,
Alyssa Hanson, Sam Helmick, Kellie Kerns, Anne Mangano, Patty McCarthy, Jason Paulios, Brent
Palmer, Angie Pilkington, Amanda Ray.
Call Meeting to Order. President Beary called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. A quorum was
present.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be discussed.
Election of Officers. On behalf of fellow Nominating Committee members Beasley and Johnk,
Paetzold presented the three-member Slate of Officers for Fiscal Year 2022: Kirsch -President,
Rocklin -Vice President, Johnk-Secretary. Paetzold thanked those who agreed to be nominated.
There were no questions or discussion. Shultz moved to approve the Slate of Officers.
Washington seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0. Beary thanked the
committee members for their service.
Review 3" Quarter Statistics and Financials. Carman noted that while the statistics continue
to reflect the impact of the pandemic, they are starting to normalize again as services expand.
Beasley stated it would be helpful to receive a summary of salient information in a bullet point
outline to introduce the multiple pages of statistics. Carman agreed and stated staff will try to
create that with the next quarterly report. Creating the quarterly financial reporting dashboard
has been difficult because the data is so unusual due to the times. Rocklin suggested it will be
helpful to know what staff focuses on most in the statistics and their interpretation. Paetzold
asked when fine -free impact information will be presented. Carman stated staff is working to
share that at the next meeting. A challenge with presenting the data is that none was available
for months because patrons were discouraged from returning items borrowed at the beginning
of the pandemic closure. Despite that, staff is preparing a report which will include a few
relevant comparisons but will not be as detailed as the initial proposals for going fine free with
Children's and YA collections. Paetzold requested input be included about possible changes to
purchasing collection materials because people's reading habits and material availability have
changed during the pandemic. Beaty suggested a board member, such as the Secretary, might
be able to help interpret and summarize changes in the quarterly financial data to relieve staff of
that effort.
Policy Review: 700: Community Relations. Beaty reminded members the policy was tabled at
the last meeting to enable staff to incorporate board feedback. Carman stated Helmick was
unable to attend this meeting but Carman will try to answer questions. Shultz said the Revised
date should be 4/22/2021 instead of 3/25/21. Rocklin thanked staff for the review and
suggested all policies could be updated at the same time to reflect style changes mentioned at
the last meeting including the logo, header, and font, instead of doing that on each individual
policy when presented over the three-year review cycle. Carman and members agreed with the
idea. Kirsch motion to approved Policy 700: Community Relations with the corrected date. Shultz
seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 701: Public Relations. Kirsch complimented Helmick's written explanation of
the difference between this policy and 700. Carman noted the Revised date needs to be
corrected. Beasley moved approval of the recommended revised Policy 701 with the caveat that
the date be changed to reflect today's date. Rocklin seconded. There was no discussion. The
motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 706: Outreach and Bookmobile. Carman noted the updated language in
706.11. Kirsch asked about the blue font in 706.1 and stated a word is missing, perhaps 'to'
between provide access and Library services. Carman said the sentence should be 'provide
Library services where life and engagement...' Paetzold made a motion to approve Policy 706
with the change 706.1. Washington seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 803: Event Board. Carman stated the updates strengthen the policy. Beaty
noted the Revised date should be 4/22/2021. Washington made a motion to approve Policy 803
with the changes. Forkenbrock seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 804: Free Materials Distribution. Carman noted the updated inclusive
language referencing caregivers. Beaty noted the Revised date should be 4/22/2021. Paetzold
asked whether the library can refuse to post or distribute materials which do not align with the
library mission. Carman will consult Eric Goers in the City Attorney's office for a response.
Beasley suggested 803.2 could be adapted to describe the review process and criteria for review
of items. Beasley suggested language in Policy 805.5 could be incorporated into Policy 804 to be
consistent. Paetzold agreed. Rocklin made a motion to approve the policy with the date change.
Kirsch seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 805: Display. Carman noted the need to change the Revised date to be
4/22/2021 if the policy is adopted at this meeting. Washington moved to approve the policy
with the updated date. Kirsch seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Policy Review: 816: Library Access for Sex Offenders Convicted of Sex Offenses Again a
Minor. Carman consulted Eric Goers in the City Attorney's office who provided updated
information about the pertinent Iowa Code sections referenced in the policy. Paetzold
questioned whether a convicted sex offender could vote at the library. Mangano pointed out
that the library is often an early voting site and is not a regular polling place. Rocklin wondered
how schools which serve as polling places resolve that possible issue. Carman will consult with
Goers about the question and share his response. Paetzold moved to accept the policy as
presented. Washington seconded. There was no additional discussion. The motion passed 8-0.
Budget Timeline. Carman added the details requested at the March meeting and asked for
feedback. Rocklin suggested the information be included in the Trustees handbook for new
members.
Reopening Guidelines. Carman thanked board members for their feedback at the April 1
special meeting which facilitated the updated document in the packet. The revised plan includes
staff feedback. Kirsch asked the difference between the positivity rate and community
transmission. Shultz suggested they are interchangeable terms and recommended the language
on the chart for Phase 5 be updated to say positivity rate to be consistent with the other phase
language in the Transmission Rate column. Carman stated Johnson County Public Health
officials discourage reference to vaccination rates in the guidelines. Kirsch made a motion to
approve the guidelines as presented with the editing changes. Paetzold requested a
modification to remove the percentage sign on the chart which appears before the words
Positivity Rate in the Transmission Rate column. Rocklin seconded with the additional change.
The motion passed 8-0.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Carman shared an update on the In -Person Library Board Meetings written
report. Following City Council discussion of the same issue for boards and commissions, City
Clerk and City Manager staff are looking for spaces large enough to accommodate public in
attendance. The City Council agreed boards and commissions may move to in-person meetings
before the City Council moves to that. The library has some larger spaces with the technology
needed for a hybrid model and can move quickly when needed. Measurements of the room
options and a proposed plan can be presented soon. Bringing staff back to work in the library is
a positive sign. Each department made and shared a plan to facilitate this change safety. Some
staff will be working in new areas because distancing is not possible in their former spaces. in-
person communication and teamwork will be easier than remote. Options are available for those
who need flexibility of some remote work. Rocklin asked how many staff continue to work
remotely. Carman said a few with more doing a hybrid of part of the day at home. Beasley said it
is hypocritical of the board to continue to work remotely while staff are asked to be in person.
Paetzold said the CDC guidelines continue to stress spending no more than 15 minutes with
others inside. She is comfortable with waiting to discuss board in-person meetings until Carman
and the leadership team present a plan. Carman offered board members tours of staff space in-
person or using a cell phone for the walkthrough to show them the changes made. Beasley and
others expressed interest in participating. Carman will follow-up. Members requested a plan
which offers a hybrid of in-person and remote attendance for board meetings. Carman will
follow-up. Carman said the goal is mid-May for staff in-person at the library with staff being
given at least two -weeks' notice to have time to plan. Carman introduced Kellie Kerns, new
Administrative Coordinator attending for the first time. The modified Phase 3 has been well-
received by the public. The recorded public address reminders about masks and physical
distancing have been helpful. Masking is a consistent behavior issue. Expectations and training
have been reviewed at all -staff and department meetings. While the positivity rate is trending up
again, Carman is hopeful that it will not be necessary to move back to Phase 2. The updated
Board calendar was sent separately.
Departmental Reports.
Children's. Kirsch complimented the plan for some outdoor storytime programs.
Collection Services. Mangano said the return of Express books and new labeling will make it
possible to more quickly move items to the Bookmobile and regular collection when needed.
The supply chain slowdown is improving.
IT. Palmer said the new mobile app release went smoothly. Contact him if questions about it.
Development Office Report. McCarthy said the Local Libraries LIT program next week with
Roxane Gay has attracted an international audience.
Miscellaneous. No discussion.
President's Report. Beary seeks volunteers to serve as the two representatives to the Friends
Foundation board starting with the new fiscal year on July 1. It's a one-year appointment. Kirsch
is serving for a second year and Shultz is in the first year. Contact Beary if interested.
Announcements from Members. Paetzold asked about how to handle the comments in the
meeting Chat. Beary will try to save the chat and asked McCarthy to record the comments which
were made after public comment closed.
Committee Reports.
Foundation Members. No report. Next meeting is on April 29.
Communications.
Consent Agenda. Washington made a motion to approve the consent agenda_ Rocklin
seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed 8/0.
Set Agenda Order for May Meeting. There may be a special meeting to discuss reopening
guidelines in two weeks. May: Union agreement. The ICPL Friends Foundation annual Corporate
Members meeting will start at 5pm. The Trustee meeting will begin after. Beasley complimented
Beary on running an efficient meeting.
Adjournment. Beary closed the meeting at 6:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty McCarthy and Amanda Ray
From Zoom Chat:
5:05pm: Wesley Beary: "OK. Thanks"
6:06pm: Brent Palmer: "We can definitely work something out in Room A."
6:09pm: Mara Cole: "One thing to possibly consider is how many staff still have children engaged in
online learning until mid-June."
Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD 12
Month: May 2021
Name
Term
Expiration
1/28/2021
2/25/2021
3/25/2021
4/1/2021
4/22/2021
4/29/2021
5/27/2021
Wesley Beary
6/30/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
John Beasley
6/30/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kellee Forkenbrock
6/30/2023
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
Derek Johnk
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
0
0
X
Carol Kirsch
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Robin Paetzold
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tom Rocklin
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
0
X
Hannah Shultz
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Monique Washington
1 6/30/2021
X
X
0
X
X
0
X
KEY:
X
PRESENT
0
ABSENT
OE
EXCUSED ABSENT
NM
NO MEETING HELD
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Library Board of Trustees: April 29
Item Number: 5.e.
14Vt IOWA CITY
4w,amommi,ft PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 S. Linn St. - Iowa City, IA .52240
319-3S5-5200 • icpi.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Electronic Special Meeting
April 29, 2021
FINAL/APPROVED
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 board members, staff, and the public presented by COVID-19.
Members Present: Wesley Beary, Carol Kirsch, Robin Paetzold, Hannah Shultz, Kellee Forkenbrock
John Beasley (conferenced in at 5:09).
Members Absent: Monique Washington, Derek Johnk, Tom Rocklin
Staff Present: Elsworth Carmen, Mara Cole, Alyssa Hanson, Sam Helmick, Anne Mangano, Brent
Palmer, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington, Kellie Kerns, Doug Brenner, Bond Drager
Call Meeting to Order:
President Beary called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. A quorum was present.
Public Discussion:
Nothing to Report.
Items for Discussion/Action:
Return to Working Onsite Plan - The Board was presented with updates from Director Carman to
discuss next steps of resuming staff levels onsite. At the April 22 Board meeting, the Trustees were
presented with plans to bring all staff back to work in the Library building by the second week of May
and move forward. Director Carman did add the processes established by the City of Iowa,
particularly regarding childcare. There are systems in place to request flexible work arrangements as
needed. Most staff have returned already; remaining staff are working most of their shifts onsite.
The Library has been bringing staff back in stages, and this and making great progress. Every staff
person who has requested an alternative work location (to allow for social distancing), has been
accommodated. Director Carman advised the Library is here to serve our community and is optimistic
about the return to work process. Trustee Beasley advised he had a detailed tour of the building
today and was pleased with the steps in place for distancing and accommodating workstation spaces.
Details seem very well thought-out and he was very impressed with Library Administration and Staff in
their efforts to create the plan. Trustee Beasley was also impressed with the maximum capacity limits
display and felt appropriate social distancing is in place. Director Carman extended another invitation
to the rest of the Board to participate in a building tour, which was highly recommended by Trustee
Beasley. President Beary confirmed with Director Carman second week of May as a desired return for
staff. Carman explained that Library Administration wants to give staff enough notice to return or
submit request forms for flexible arrangements.
Needs for In -Person Board Meetings - The Board was presented with a memo based on interest in
exploring options for in-person meetings. The Library is fortunate to have a large space (Meeting
Rooms A, B, and C, combined) to work with, and dedicated, skilled IT and Facilities departments to
support this work. Library staff will be able to craft layout options in time to include them in the
regular May Board meeting packet. This will also allow time to ensure our plans align with emerging
expectations from the City of Iowa City related to meeting access and recording practices.
In order to best meet the Board's expectations with options for in-person meetings, the Board
discussed the specific needs as addressed in the memo included in the board packet. President Beary
asked for feedback. Trustee Beasley advised he saw the meeting rooms firsthand and felt in-person
meetings could be held. Trustee Beasley felt he was comfortable attending in-person meetings again.
Trustee Kirsch expressed meetings should follow CDC guidelines. She advised does not feel personally
this way; however, feels it is best for the entirety. Trustee Paetzold respects Trustee Beasley's
feedback, and feels the CDC guidelines should be followed due to the meeting rooms not being
available to the public. Trustee Paetzold provided the Board with updates on those guidelines.
Trustee Shultz agreed with CDC guidelines as well. President Beary noted the lack of connection in
hybrid meetings and advised the Board should look at CDC and general reopening guidelines both to
decide regarding in-person meetings. Trustee Beasley feels the Board should attend due to staff
returning. President Beary advised the two situations were slightly different due to internal social
distancing processes put in place. Director Carman advised that City is also speaking to this discussion
for Council and Commission meetings. The impression is most of these groups have not decided to
attend in-person yet. Trustee Paetzold advised healthcare/medical groups are not meeting at this
time.
President Beary advised it appears the majority favors not conducting in-person meetings and to
approach this topic with a "wait and see "concept. This item for discussion can be addressed as Old
Business at the May 22 2021 meeting. President Beary thought it would be helpful for the Board to
bring data to this meeting in order to have a more informed discussion.
Announcements: President Beary is looking to fill a vacancy on the Friends Board and invites
members to join if interested by contacting him. He thanked Director Carman and staff for all their
efforts thus far in the process.
Adjournment:
President Beary adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie Kerns — Administrative Services Coordinator
Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD 12
Month: May 2021
Name
Term
Expiration
1/28/2021
2/25/2021
3/25/2021
4/1/2021
4/22/2021
4/29/2021
5/27/2021
Wesley Beary
6/30/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
John Beasley
6/30/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kellee Forkenbrock
6/30/2023
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
Derek Johnk
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
0
0
X
Carol Kirsch
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Robin Paetzold
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tom Rocklin
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
0
X
Hannah Shultz
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Monique Washinqton
6/30/2021
X
X
0
X
X
O
X
KEY:
X
PRESENT
0
ABSENT
OE
EXCUSED ABSENT
NM
NO MEETING HELD
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Public Art Advisory Committee: May 6
Item Number: 5.f.
1
Minutes Final
Public Art Advisory Committee
May 6, 2021 3:30 PM
Zoom Meeting Platform
Electronk Meeting IPurmant 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 anti safety of corn d members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
Members Present: Tyler Baird (for Juli Seydell-Johnson), Eddie Boyken, Jan Finlayson, Ron
Knoche, Steve Miller, Nancy Purington, Sandy Steil, Andrea Truitt
Members Absent: Dominic Dongilli
Staff Present: Marcia Bollinger, Wendy Ford
Public Present: Rachel Ayers-Arnone, Zuzu Coleman, Dellyssa Edinboro, John Englebrecht,
Nichole Shaw, Furaha Shukrani, Loyce Arthur
Call to Order
Miller called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Introduction of Members and Public Attending the Meeting
Public attending the meeting will introduce themselves before speaking on their respective
agenda item.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
None.
Consideration of Minutes of the April 15, 2021 Meeting
Purington asked that her mention of being late be amended to having technical difficulties with
entering the online meeting platform.
Purington said that she thinks the discussion about the rotating sculpture pads (page 4) should
note that "Bollinger said that she feels uncomfortable having discussion without Seydell-
Johnson present." Knoche disagreed and said that he doesn't recall there ever being discomfort
about moving forward with the project and subsequent motion. Bollinger said that she felt
uncomfortable considering the locations outside of what Seydell-Johnson recommended.
Knoche said he believes the minutes reflect the discussion accurately. Miller suggested that
they amend the minutes with Bollinger's noted hesitation about moving outside of the
recommendations of Seydell-Johnson, but also note that the Committee moved forward based
on recommendations previously given by Staff.
Motion: Knoche moved to accent the minutes as amended. Truitt seconded. Approved
unanimously.
Updates
Pheasant Hill Park — Mosaic Removal
Bollinger said that the artwork is scheduled to be removed (weather -dependent) within the next
two weeks. She said that she has worked with Jill Harper, the artist, on several points as well as
with the neighbors who are planning on putting up a sign describing what is happening.
Bollinger said she has also gotten feedback from the public, and that people are feeling overall
sad about the removal.
Kiwanis Park Community Garden Project
Bollinger said that they had a meeting with the artist last Saturday at the park, and she came up
with very general concepts that the neighborhood would be interested in. Bollinger said the one
they seem to be most interesting in is a gathering scene in an oval -type formation using mostly
recycled materials. She said the project is in its very beginning stages and more news will be
coming.
Poetry in Public Review
Bollinger said she is working with the City of Literature on implementing this program. She said
that all the submissions have occurred, and they will be reviewing the poetry in the coming
weeks. She said normally a member of the Public Arts Advisory Council helps review, so if
anyone would be interested she is willing to help them sign up. Miller said he would be happy to
do it.
Longfellow Pedestrian Tunnel — Proposal Presentation by SE Junior High Students
Bollinger shared designs from two Southeast Junior High Students. Rachel Ayers-Arnone, the
Art Teacher for South East Junior High School said that both designs would be stretched out to
fill the length of the tunnel. Furaha Shukrani, a student artist at Southeast Junior High, said that
she drew inspiration from a photo she saw on Instagram of a girl with flowers and butterflies
coming out of her head, so she drew a skull with roses, leaves and butterflies framing it.
Purington asked why she chose a skull as opposed to a living person. Shukrani said she
thought a skull was better because she thought the skull was cooler and it was the type that she
knew how to draw. Bollinger asked if Shukrani would be continuing the theme of the flowers and
leaves throughout the length of the tunnel or if it would be the same design several times.
Shukrani said she was thinking about extending the vines, adding more flowers and butterflies,
and keeping the skull in the middle. Purington said she thought that was a great solution.
Zuzu Coleman, a student artist at Southeast Junior High, said that her idea stemmed from the
Black Lives Matter movement and incorporating diversity and the idea that Iowa City/Johnson
County is a place where everyone can be accepted. She used depictions of people of different
races and ethnicities, rainbows, handprints, and gender symbols to illustrate equality. She said
the heads would be more spaced out in the tunnel and she would add more symbols. Purington
asked if there would be room for Coleman to draw more heads in the tunnel. Ayers-Arnone said
that they hadn't talked about adding more heads but that they certainly could. Coleman agreed.
Purington asked if the faces would be life-size or larger than that within the tunnel. Coleman
said probably two to three times larger than life size.
Bollinger said that her experience with how the concept designs are translated into the tunnel is
that there are often many improvisations and additions and the general idea tends to evolve.
Ayers-Arnone said that a lot of the students haven't seen the tunnel, so they will have to
improvise when they get there to paint. She said she has talked with the students about
3
adjusting to the given space and extending their designs to fill the tunnel. Purington asked if
something could be given to the artists to help them scale their design so that they could begin
to envision the art and problem -solve before arriving at the tunnel. Ayers-Arnone said that they
could think about having something comparable for them to use at the school in the future.
Purington congratulated both artists and said both projects were beautiful.
Miller asked when the artwork would be installed. Ayers-Arnone said that they were looking at
June 2"d, so hopefully it will be nice and dry by then. Tyler Baird, the Superintendent of Parks &
Forestry, said that they will work with Staff to get a fresh base painted in the tunnel for the artists
to work on. Purington asked if it would be possible to get a picture or video of the art in the
tunnel. Bollinger said that they did that in the past with cable TV, and it would be completely up
to their schedule if they were available to do that again. Purington said she thinks the Public Art
entity should do it as well to provide a record of what's going on. Bollinger said she would take
pictures and video of the tunnel. Ayers-Arnone said she had a video she could share as well.
Purington said it would be great if they could put together a book of the accomplishments of
Public Art and include those.
Motion: Purington moved to accept the design concepts and proceed with the project in
the Longfellow Pedestrian Tunnel. Knoche seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Committee thanked Ayers-Arnone and the students for joining them.
Oracles of Iowa City — John Englebrecht and other proiect members will be present to
review survey and public forum results
John Englebrecht, Executive Director of Public Space One, introduced the Oracles team.
Nichole Shaw, a student at the University of Iowa and part of the Oracles team, gave a
presentation on the definitions and context of the words "Black Joy" and "weaponize" as they
will be used on the mural. She said "Black Joy" is an act of liberating resistance for people to
engage with/live their true existence in a safe and comfortable space without having to ask for
permission, stemming from the historical proliferation of structural and systemic racism. She
offered many quotes and contemporary examples and said that the term "Black Joy" for this
project acknowledges the lived existence of Black people in Iowa City under a society that is
structured to marginalize them.
Shaw said the word "weaponize" is used ubiquitously in contemporary society to bring stringent
awareness to something that is happening (i.e. power), and the purpose of using it for this
project is to call attention to the racial oppression and subjugation of Black people in Iowa City
(and the United States) and simultaneously call those who have the power and privilege to be
more accountable.
Bollinger said Shaw's presentation helped everything fall into place with the project, and she is
wondering how they can incorporate that so as to help it be an educational process for the
general public as well. Dellyssa Edinboro, a part of the Oracles team, said one of the ways they
are trying to engage the public and provide education and context towards the project is by
using social media platforms. Shaw said they were planning on placing a QR code near the
murals for people to scan with their phones that would direct them to the Oracles website and to
further information about the project. Bollinger said that some of that information could possibly
also be put on the columns of the parking ramp so it doesn't take away from the mural itself.
Baird said there was a crosswalk at both ends of the ramp that could be another potential place
of engagement. Truitt said she really appreciated seeing the added context on social media.
Shaw said that the context presentation that she just gave didn't go out to the public until last
week, whereas they have been collecting survey results for about two and a half months. She
said most of the survey respondents (about 320) identified as white and only about six percent
4
identified as African American, which shows that they need to do more groundwork to
encourage Black and African American people to participate, as they are not normally asked to.
She said they hope to hold a forum in the future in a black neighborhood to help increase
engagement. Shaw said most of the respondents were female, of middle income, but the ages
were very spread out. She said most of the respondents felt that the Oracles of Iowa City spoke
predominately to White or non-BIPOC people, and they saw the purpose of Public Art as being
both aesthetically pleasing and a call to action for social change (with only 0.3% of respondents
saying that comfort should be the primary purpose). According to the survey, she said that only
50% of Black or African Americans supported the mural because they thought it was more of a
performative act instead of a sustainable effort for equitable change in Iowa City.
Purington says she feels sensitive about the word "privilege" and feels that it could be
broadened to "resources," but nonetheless feels that it could be an interesting word for
discussion. Coleman said they could certainly have more conversations to promote education
and understanding, but the Oracles team chose their words very intentionally and they are not
interested in changing them. She said fostering and promoting further conversation about these
issues is exactly what the mural is intended to do. Purington said she would love if they created
something that would inform the public on what the word privilege means. Steil said she
appreciated the presentation but is wondering what people's initial gut reaction will be to the
word "weaponize" when they don't have the same amount of time as the Committee to learn
about it as they sit in traffic. Bollinger said she doesn't think the education will occur while
people are sitting in traffic, but if they see the placards or that there is more writing it might
encourage them to go learn more about it. Purington said she is not opposed to the word
anymore but thinks the timing of it is unfortunate. Steil said she is still opposed to the word.
Truitt said she isn't sure why they have to think of this project as a very car -centric viewing when
it seems to be more pedestrian centered. Purington and Steil said that it was because of the
ratio of the amount of traffic to the number of pedestrians. Miller said that the wording is very
impactful and if it was softer language then a lot of people probably wouldn't think twice about it.
He said when he first saw the word it encouraged him to spend about five minutes researching it
so he could understand more thoroughly, so he is in full support of its usage. Coleman said,
according to the data, most of Iowa City views public art as something to foster public change
and something to think about as opposed to something you see once and the forget about.
Finlayson said she thinks it is going to foster some very good conversation and she is in full
support of it. Purington asked about putting the words lower on the mural so that when traffic is
stopped there, they can read more of it. Coleman said that the artists are not interested in
changing the design, and it would probably be easier for people in cars to see the lower words
first, so they might not even get to see the word "weaponize." Miller said the graphics are scaled
very nicely for the space provided.
Motion: Knoche moved to proceed with the mural design and to make the added
educational information more accessible to the public. Truitt seconded. Motion passed
on a vote of 5-1.
Purington said she is still interested in having further discussion with the artists about moving
the words lower. Coleman said they can definitely ask and see if they are willing to engage in
more conversation about that, but she knows that they feel very strongly about the work they
submitted. Knoche said he is not certain if they will see a change in the concept if they ask the
question again, since they already had this discussion with the artists during their first meeting.
He also said that during a normal school year, this is a highly trafficked area and he believes the
pedestrian count might be higher than the traffic count.
The Oracles thanked the Committee for their time.
Public Art Matching Funds — review revised rubrics that includes evaluating
prooects/applicants that have received multiple grants and criteria for how well the
project meets the Public Art Strateaic Plan goals
Truitt said they just need to adjust the budget wording on the scoring rubric and scoresheet to
correlate with their Strategic Plan. Otherwise, she said not much has changed but they should
have something on the books about repeat applicants' eligibility and what to do about
organizations that have several artists who submit applications. She said she could send out an
email with the rest of the information.
Reallocation of Matching Funds — Fannie Hungerford, the applicant for "The Topography
of in Between" is not able to complete the project. Fundina should be reallocated to
another project. Spreadsheet included in agenda packet.
Bollinger suggested, since many applicants deferred for this fiscal year, that they carry the
excess over into Fiscal Year 22. Purington asked if they could divide the funds and add them to
the projects they originally had to reduce funds for. Bollinger said that was under consideration,
but the artists have already been notified and they are happy with the amount that has been
allocated. Truitt asked Bollinger how it looked from a budgeting standpoint to have carryover
funds and if it would be better to spend them this fiscal year. Bollinger said, aside from some
maintenance funds, this would be the only carryover funds they had from this year. Knoche said
he thinks they have a good reason to carry the funds over.
Motion: Purinaton moved to divide the funds and add it to the projects they originally
had to reduce. Purinaton dropped the motion.
Motion: Knoche moved to carry over the funds not allocated in FY21 to FY22. Steil
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Rotating Sculpture Pad Call to Artists — review and timeline
Bollinger said she sent the document to the Committee for review. Purington said she thinks it is
great that they are insuring the art. Truitt said she liked the idea of having the grand opening
reception and thinks it will help with advertising. Purington asked what percentage of the sales
that the city takes. Truitt said the City of Dubuque takes 25%, and Purington said that felt
excessive. Purington asked if it was possible to make a short advertising video to put on the City
Facebook page about what's going on in Public Art. Bollinger said that was something they
could talk about at a different time.
Bollinger said that they would be installing the sculpture pads within the next two or three
weeks, so she would really like to get the call to artists out so they could stick with the project
timeline. Miller asked if this was accessible to those outside of the Iowa City Registry. Bollinger
said that it is directed towards all Iowa artists. Purington said opening the call up to more than
just people in Iowa might be the way to go. Bollinger agreed. She said they could reach out to
other cities to see what wording they used.
Bollinger asked if they wanted to establish a theme for the sculpture pads. Miller said he didn't
want to limit the artists. Bollinger said they could always establish a theme next year if they get
enough applications.
Motion: Purinaton moved to approve the Rotating Sculpture Pad Call to Artists with
some editina clean -um Truitt seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Committee Announcements and/or Committee/Staff Reports
A
Knoche said that he and Baird located the pads for the sculptures, and the location that they
identified at Terry Trueblood Recreation Center will now have a bus stop next to it. He said they
picked a good spot in terms of visibility and traffic.
Adjournment
Knoche moved to adjourn the meeting. Truitt seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:09
p.m.
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2020-2021
Name
Term
7/2/20
8/6/20
9/3/20
10/1/20
11/5/20
12/3/20
1/7/21
2/4/21
3/4/21
4/15/21
5/6/21
Expires
Ron
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
Knoche
Juli
O/E
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
Seydell-
Johnson
Vero
12/31/20
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
Rose
Smith
Steve
12/31/20
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Miller
Eddie
12/31/21
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Boyken
Jan
12/31/20
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Finlayson
Nancy
12/31/22
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Purington
Andrea
12/31/22
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Truitt
Dominic
12/31/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dongilli
Tonya
12/31/23
--
O
O
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
Kehoe
Sandy
12/31/23
--
--
--
--
O/E
x
X
X
X
O/E
X
Steil
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 15, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Senior Center Commission: April 15
Item Number: 5.g.
Approved Minutes
April 15, 2021
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
April 15, 2021
ELECTRONIC Formal Meeting
ZOOM MEETING Platform
Members Present: Zach Goldsmith, Paula Vaughan, Linda Vogel, Lorraine
Dorfman, Susan Eberly
Members Absent: Angela McConville
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 Goldsmith at 4 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 18, 2021 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the March 18, 2021 meeting with
grammatical edit. Motion carried on a vote of 5/0. Dorfman/Eberly
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach reported virtual programming will continue into May. This summer the
Senior Center will have a plot at Chadek Park and the produce grown will go to
Senior Center's food pantry. DeLoach reminded the Commission of the Senior
Center's mission statement: The Center enhances quality of life by creating
opportunities to support wellness, social connections, community engagement,
and lifelong learning for a diverse and growing older adult population. She
Approved Minutes
April 15, 2021
touched on ways the Senior Center has continued to be involved in the
community this year including the mask project (partnering with TRAIL) and more
recently the vaccine clinics (partnering with Towncrest Pharmacy, Johnson
County Public Health, and other municipalities). The Senior Center will assist in
some additional vaccine clinics and is partnering with Iowa City Housing
Authority by sending out postcards to people in the community who currently
participate in Section 8 housing assistance and the low-income utilities program
to alert them of upcoming clinics.
Vaughan noted she had received the renewal letter from the Senior Center for
her membership and stated she appreciates this effort.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
The contract for the new architecture firm who will finish the building master plan
is continuing to move forward. Once the contract is in place it will take about 4
months for the new architects to finalize their report. Friends of the Center
continues to work on a plan for a capitol fundraising campaign.
DeLoach stated planning for the 40th anniversary is dependent on how safe it is
to gather in person as summer turns to fall. The Senior Center is partnering with
the Iowa City Public Library, which is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year,
with banners to be placed in the downtown district. Goldsmith suggested a street
party. DeLoach mentioned having the commissioners write statements on how
the Senior Center has positively impacted themselves or the community.
Comments from other Senior Center members or the public could also be
solicited.
DeLoach reported reopening plans are moving forward. Phase 1 reopening plans
will be by appointment only use of the fitness rooms. Staff has found appointment
scheduling software that will be helpful for this, as well as other service
appointments. The reception area will be moved to the ground floor prior to
reopening. Vogel asked if the Senior Center will require members who want to
use the fitness rooms to be vaccinated. DeLoach said there are concerns about
health privacy issues in requiring this, additionally other city departments are not
requiring vaccinations. Dorfman asked if the 181 floor will be open during the first
phase. The first floor and mezzanine will not be open.
Dorfman asked if there was a target date for the building master plan remodeling
to be completed. Deloach stated she anticipates the building master plan will be
completed by September. The remodel will likely take place over a few years.
Dorfman inquired about the Commission opening. There is still one opening on
the Commission that is not subject to a gender balance requirement.
Motion: To Adjourn.
2
Approved Minutes
April 15, 2021
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Name
Term Expires
5/22/20
6/18/20
7/16/20
8/20/20
9/17/20
10/15/20
11/19/20
12/17/20
1/21/21
2/18/21
3/18/21
4/15/21
Lorraine
Dorfinan
12/31/21
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Susan
Eberly
12/31/23
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
X
X
Robert (Scott)
Finlayson
12/31/20
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
NM
X
X
--
--
--
--
Zach Goldsmith
12/31/21
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
Angela
McConville
12/31/21
X
NM
O/E
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
George Nelson
12/31/22
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
X
--
--
--
--
--
Paula Vaughan
12/31/22
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
Linda Vogel
12/31/23
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Key: X =
Present
O =
Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
NM =
No meeting
-- =
Not a member
3