Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-2023 Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation CommissionAd Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Thursday, June 1, 2023 Regular Meeting 7 PM - Emma J. Harvat Hall 410 E. Washington Street AGENDA: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MAY 4, 2023 4. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH THE PUBLIC CONCERNING SAID ITEMS. 5. PRESENTATION FROM COUNCILORS BERGUS AND DUNN ON THE CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN 6. FOLLOW UP ON COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE ICCSD 7. NEXT STEPS ON PHASE ONE OF THE FACILITATOR PLAN 8. CORRESPONDENCE 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS/STAFF THIS ITEM INCLUDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BRIEF UPDATES FROM STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION ON UPDATES. 10.ADJOURNMENT To encourage input from the public, the Commission intends to offer the opportunity to participate in the meeting remotely. However, this meeting is in -person, and those wishing to ensure their ability to participate should attend the meeting in person. If you instead wish to participate remotely, you may attempt to do so by joining the below link. Please note that the meeting link and ID for the first Thursday of each month is different than the link and ID for the third Thursday of each month. First Thursday Meetings httos://usO6web.zoom.us/webinar/reoister/WN cMlaaV6cTxGwOlWu2- hFHcj ID: 867 2424 8095 Third Thursday Meetings httos:HusO6web.zoom.us/webinar/reaister/WN Ic11811PSRo1uOxPIL- 1Ew ID: 895 3695 0485 If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you can call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID when prompted. If you will need a disability -related accommodation to participate in this meeting call 319-356-5022 or email humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your accessibility needs. Native American land Acknowledgement Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human Rights Commission PURPOSE Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration, and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To be read at all public meetings and events: "We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we work toward equity, restoration, and reparations." LEARN MORE Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide Meskwaki Nation - History Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. May 5, 2023 Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Marie Krebs, Lauren Merritt, Kevo Rivera, Clif Johnson, Eric Harris (via Zoom), Sikowis Nobiss. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Redmond Jones. Meeting called to order: 7:08 pm. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement: Dillard read the Land Acknowledgement. Approval of Minutes from April 6, 2023: Rivera moved, and Merritt seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: Mohamed Traore suggested the TRC adopt a mindset that prioritized solutions and offered further reading material. Traore finished his comments by urging the TRC to keep the youth in mind when considering outreach and decisions that will disproportionately affect Iowa City youth. Resignations: Traore expressed frustration with his inability to enact change as a member of the TRC. Traore advocated for the TRC and community to invest in local children and lamented the lack of available funding for the TRC. Traore thanked the TRC for its efforts. Dillard, Johnson, Merritt, Gathua, Krebs, and Harris individually thanked and praised the pair for their contributions to the commission and community. Rivera thanked the commission and reviewed their history with the commission. Rivera encouraged the TRC to continue to work toward bettering the community regardless of negative responses from the community. Debrief and Next Steps: Merritt praised the community's passion the past Tuesday at the City Council meeting. Johnson expressed excitement toward the community's eagerness to be involved. Gathua also expressed excitement before reflecting on her experience as a member of the TRC, emphasizing the need to focus on success. Manape LaMere praised the commission and empathized with the resigning members. Eduardo Gonzalez emphasized the need for continued work and stressed the need for resiliency. Dillard praised the presentation for its amplification of contributor voices. Dillard suggested working to make meetings accessible, making time for Strategic Planning, creating a healing process, and putting out a new release. Merritt suggested updating the website to better disseminate information. Merritt also suggested creating a structure for future meetings. Johnson suggested improving TRC-related advertising. Rivera suggested making outreach communications more concise and transparent. The TRC discussed possibilities for collecting community responses online. Rivera suggested fostering relationships directly with community members. Gathua and Johnson agreed and made further suggestions regarding where to facilitate meeting the community. Jones outlined the communication process with contractors and the role of the TRC in this communication. Follow Up on Communications with ICCSD: There were no updates. Commission Announcements: Johnson thanked the City Council and announced an upcoming absence. Merritt announced her application to serve on the Community Police Review Board. Gathua invited the community an upcoming Community Get Together picnic. Dillard thanked Rivera for his commitment to the commission. Rivera announced AAPI Month and encouraged solidarity between BIPOC communities. Dillard announced the upcoming Coralville Asian Festival. Adjourned: 9:18 PM. City Board and Commission meetings are recorded and can be viewed in their entirety by visiting this link. ; ; » _ ; ; . \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ■ � q City of Iowa City Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2023 - Fiscal Year 2028 Overview 1. Introduction & Environmental Scan 2. Our Strategic Values 3 Our Strateg'dmpact Areas&Action Steps 9 Resources S. How we get itdone Challenges & Opportunities Increasing preemption of local control by State Legislature. Stare property tax reform Higher expectations yet diminishing trust in local government. Persistent racial and income inequality challenges. Workforce attraction needs It staff recruitment and capacity challenges. Continued CORD impacts, general inflation and economic pressures. O imate change and increasingly severe weather events. Regional population growth and more demand for services. Outdated facilities in need of remodel/replacement. Significant influx of federal funding opportunities. "The best way to predict your future is to create it." Now w, 000 H,, will i ,ad M., ity v........ n..e.a In...,a. n.r.na.gr Values FY23-FY28 Iowa City Strategic Plan Values mrJuex repreaenebetM1alenxtM1reu ghwAicM1wewlllappma,h,,rwnrlr,aawella,a d,,imd endmm wh,n,,rworki,,,mpi,t,d.O,rV l,,,,m,mb,di,di,every element of thie g,,tegi, pi— (,no th, wark we do,, City Nod ..sl). yocmuusn..q e9. Q@ei Mps & EngaBe� VA-, Wl- How will we know if we've achieved our vision for racial equity, social justice, and human rights? How will we know if we've achieved our vision for climate action? How will we know if we've achieved our vision for partnerships and engagement? What are some examples of how you can carry out these values this board/commission? Impact Areas & Action Steps FY23-FY28 Strategic Plan Note for Presenters: TMm u a LOT Wok d into Muxv impact—a,d,do, xtopa ana—n dM-own aini. Oependiug on, auffien ,wmidec Focusing on ih, lmpaR a rea.... scion rsps mortoerir'e.t W y..... d lane.-Flce tlae vM1er allde TFe Sl Jes wi I p ons.ep h p.cI a,e8 h 8,-e b automa.11. II,1-dcen_I'lease u,1,1 I(you wlrnio....... ns:.l to mmcm you, pm...t, n. ...ei .-101..os.I1F'.,_.,, mpm>...... OI n.. Fat«r.l«.m,.t mpn �dt yo Il- a at...matt, ms11yom0, M1. s]c. oi[ F^Ip cr..r: c.nn_Ri.ns lfiCs n.tapparent. 5/5/2023 13 14 15 5/5/2023 EC 17 IH 5/5/2023 19 20 21 Safety Fr Wellbeing Action Plan Resources FY23-FY28 Strategic Plan Resources: The tools to get it done! I. Facilities, Equipment y.People 3. Financial and 9Bohnology Esiabllsh Ne Ci yar s al Gm �Metax case, xFge. - +sal�Foa1F� -lfi� e ...P oyer...... _. dlvrsiiy re a e Venue'oilces workspaces Bulld a dversp b lent & leverage outside iu nd lne Pafare hl b rt.,—as g pe pipell- (staff & Bca'd/Coair usons) Maintain haalM 9raserves _ raanee and prudent debt sn,tcal Renard t.,hrrlogY& m noestion v21w �og�, and�nduson Alignment Better Together 2030'All In' Vision University of Iowa Strategic Plan Envision East Central Iowa Plan (ECICOG) Department and Division Mast Plans E.7 — ALL IN ' VISION slei¢cicvue F What's Not in the Strategic Plan? • • im9,ofmm Unexpected Timely e e,v 1,y-, 0 LnnI eng, Opporrtinit— Questions? www.icgov.org/StrategicPlan a M.j-Ondoin5 PI'O,IOCt3 rl values RACIAL EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE, ... HUMAN BIGHTS CUMATEACTION PAB� ENGAGEMENT Q The following documents were handed out during the meeting. VALUES Racial Equity, Social Justice & Human Rights FUTURE VISION Iowa City welcomes and celebrates cultural diversity throughout the community, and accurate cultural historical perspectives are acknowledged and commemorated. Each community member understands how systemic inequities have disadvantaged and marginalized some populations and are equipped with the skills to disrupt bias. Growth and healing occur as the City proactively addresses racial inequalities and social injustices. The City has removed and addressed systemic barriers present in all facets of city government including policies, land use decisions, programs, services, and employment. Partnerships with businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations facilitate equitable access to opportunity across all sectors. City employees, boards and commission members, and other advisory and decision -making entities reflect the diversity of the Iowa City community. The presence of equity, inclusion, and belonging is identifiable in all City operations and activities. Climate Action FUTURE VISION Cities across the Midwest and nationally emulate Iowa City's long-term innovative strategies which achieve net - zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors and prepare all populations for the effects of climate change and the urban heat island effect. A bio-diverse environment flourishes and each generation can look forward to improved water, air, and soil quality. Every resident in Iowa City understands the cost of climate change and knows which community resources can help them mitigate and adapt to these impacts. Residents of all socioeconomic statuses actively take climate action, including using sustainable transportation, shopping local, and reducing and conserving energy. As a result, their health, safety, economic wellbeing, and relationship with their neighbors are improved. 7 Partnerships and Engagement FUTURE VISION Community members believe engagement and participation in local government decision -making is worthwhile and sincere. Respectful dialogue and transparent processes dominate public decision - making. Creative and accessible communication and engagement methods ensure every resident is routinely reached by the City and encourage intergenerational participation. Neighborhoods are revitalized as a source of grassroots community -building, empowerment, and prosperity for all households. There is a high degree of trust and free -flowing communication between stakeholders within the community. As a result, public -private partnerships are plentiful and a natural component of every solution, and resources are deployed judiciously towards efforts that benefit all. n Values • Partnerships and Engagement • Climate Action e Racial equity, social justice, & human rights Impact Areas & Strategies Neighborhoods & Housing • Update the City Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to encourage compact neighborhoods with diverse housing types and land uses. • Partner in projects that serve as models for desired future development. • Create inviting and active outdoor spaces with unique and engaging recreation offerings. • Address the unique needs of vulnerable populations and low -to -moderate income neighborhoods. Mobility • Expand the access and convenience of environmentally friendly and regionally connected public transit. • Design and maintain complete streets that are comfortable and safe for all users. • Grow and prioritize bike and pedestrian accommodations. Economy • Reinforce Iowa City as a premier community to locate and grow a business. • Ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place for future business growth and development. • Cultivate a strong entrepreneurial and small businesses ecosystem with a focus on creating new pathways to success for systemically marginalized populations. • Build Iowa City's image as the Greatest Small City for the Arts. • Strengthen the Iowa River's role as a signature community amenity and tourism generator. Safety &Udell -being • Implement and expand innovative public safety models and facilities to improve outcomes and relationships within the community. • Partner with non -profits to address the most emergent and foundational community safety and well-being needs. • Build community by fostering social connections and developing safe, accessible public spaces for gathering. Resources Facilities, Equipment & Technology Invest in the next generation of public facilities and equipment to create immediate operational efficiencies, boost workplace safety, health, and morale, and improve cross -department collaboration. Promote high performance governance leveraging technology, partnerships, and innovation. �11 • Establish the City of Iowa City as an employer of choice in the region with a pay plan, benefits package, and flexible work options that attract and retain high -quality and motivated public service employees. • Carry out a multi -dimensional staff engagement initiative to ensure every City employee feels welcome, informed, involved, and engaged at work. • Build a diverse talent pipeline. Financial • Grow the tax base, consider alternative revenue sources, and leverage outside funding to maintain core services and pursue community priorities while maintaining equitable property tax rates. • Exercise fiscal responsibility by maintaining and growing assigned & emergency reserve funds and prudent debt management. City of Iowa City - Strategic Plan FY2023-2028 Summary from icgov.org/strategicplan