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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-12 Bd Comm minutesIOWA CITY HIJMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION M/NUTES March 23, 1998 Meeting COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Harvey, Joan Jehle, Charles Major, Diane Martin, Ann Shires, Jan Warren COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Dickerson, Mettle Thomopulos, Art Vincent STAFF PRESENT: Heather Shank, Kaci Carolan CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Harvey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jehle noted one correction to the January minutes. The minutes were then approved as amended. Martin/Jehle. All in favor; no opposed. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. TOWN MEETING: RACE RELATIONS 11: Scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 1998, 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the ICPL. Warren suggested that the official title for the program be: Town Meeting.' Race Relations in Iowa City/Coralville - Focus on Teens. Again, the idea is that this is not just for teenagers, but parents of teenagers, teachers, people in the community who work with teenagers, etc. So far 6 people have committed to the panel (3 teens, 3 adults), and Ross Wilbum has agreed to be the moderator. Warren is waiting for responses from one additional adult and one additional teen; Tuesday March 24 is going to be the absolute final day for people to either commit or decline. She will e-mail Shank or Carolan on Tuesday with the final make-up of the panel. Warren will again drat~ a letter to the panelists, but suggested that copies of the newspaper coverage of the last town meeting be included with that. She also had several articles from national media (Time magazine, etc.) for potential inclusion in the panelist packet as well. Shank will find out if we can book the two additional litfie meeting rooms as well to give us extra space. Warren agreed to do a PSA. Shank will do a press release to all the media boxes. Warren also suggested trying to get a story into the two high school papers, the Little Hawk and West Side Story. Shank will try to have the flyers printed by Thurs'.day, and then she'll go around with the community service people and post them. Several of the adult panelists have indicated that they think it would be beneficial to have a brief pre.-meeting gathering with the teenagers (perhaps an hour in length). Once the panel members are confnxned, Warren, Carolan, and Shank will work on organizing this. Harvey thanked Warren for all the time and effort she's put in on tiffs project. There was some discussion about whether the Diverse-Cities Team should be listed as a co- sponsor, and how/whether to approach them following this meeting. Some Commissioners expressed a desire to have the Diverse-Cities Team take over these events following Town Meeting II. There was some discussion over the best way to do that, timing, trying to identify a point- person from the D-Team, etc. The Commission decided to wait and see what the attendance was like at the next Town Meeting before committing to a course of action. Shank stressed that she Human Rights Commission Mamh 23, 1998 Minutes Page 2 didn't think the turnout at Town Meeting II should determine whether or not there's another Diveme-Cities Meeting. The Commission concurred, but everyone agreed that there was simply no time to address this issue prior to the next Town Meeting. Potential topics for future Town Meetings included business (both in terms of employees at some of the larger, factory-type employers, and also retail businesses/patrons) and housing. Carolan and Martin will bring coffee urns. Martin will bring pop. Shank already has cups, napkins, etc. Shires will bring cookies; Jehle said she might bake something as well. Warren urged Commissioners to get the word out, especially among community-based groups, church organizations, etc. OLD BUSINESS: Draft of Revision of By-Laws: Major indicated they haven't started this yet. This item will be placed back on the agenda for April. ICRC Training: April 30 and May 1. Driving and hotel arrangements were discussed. Shank said she would check to see if Martin can take a City car. Keynote St>eaker for '98 Breakfast: Shank reported on her conversation with Kate Schuetz. Ms. Schuetz's planned mn to Washington DC (to draw attention to human rights violations in China) has been postponed indefinitely due to lack of funding. Ms. Schuetz indicated she might finish sometime during the month of October, but also said she might not even start her run until November. After some discussion, the Commission decided to wait until after Ms. Schuetz runs, and then have her address the Commission separately. Brian Thomas was again discussed. It was pointed out that Brian spent only one year in Nicaragua with Habitat, and perhaps the speaker should be someone with more international involvement and experience. Jim Anaya and Adrien Wing (both law professors with extensive international experience) were suggested as possible speakers. Warren did note that the Commission had previously discussed having a non-University speaker this year. Jehle suggested Morris Dees, who she went to see while she was in Arizona. The Commission asked if they could see some background information on Professor Anaya, and Shank agreed to provide that. This item will be placed back on the agenda for April. Accessible Caucus Sites: Martin reported that she had checked the accessibility list at the library, which dates from 1985. ICPL no longer makes the pamphlet available because of its age. However, the information provided in that packet was very thorough (down to details such as "this water fountain is too high.") Shank provided the list of where the caucuses were held last time, which was all ICCSD schools, plus the IMU, ICPL and the bus barn (Plotz Maintenance Shop). Warren ah:eady has the cover letter drafted, as well as the blank form for the information. Shank indicated that we're waiting for an opinion from the City Attorney's Office on whether City buildings can be used for the political process. The Senior Center actually has this in their policy, but Eleanor Dilkes is checking. Shank said we have the volunteer to enter all this information into a data base, once we have it collected. Warren, Martin, and Harvey decided the order and timing of their next steps. This item will be placed back on the agenda for April. May Senior Center Panel: Carolan reported that she had gotten three possible dates from Julie Seal at the Senior Center. Major had subsequently indicated he could not participate in a 2 Human Rights Commission March 23, 1998 Minutes Page 3 p.m. panel, and the other three Commissioners (Jehle, Vincent, and Dickerson) had all preliminarily indicated any of the three dates would be fine. Carolan had intended to confirm a date at the meeting, but since both Vincent and Dickerson were absent, she will do so by phone. The tentative date, however, is Wednesday, May 20, 1998 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. This will be placed back on the agenda for April. Jonathan Wilson: Shank had scheduled Jonathan Wilson for an evening speaking date in May. However, she was then contacted by someone from the Gay Pride Committee, who indicated they very much wanted this presentation to be part of Pride Month, which is June. Shank had reservations that it might get lost in all the other Pride Month activities, but the GPC has assured her they will leave that week relatively open. Therefore, Jonathan Wilson will be speaking on Wednesday, June 17, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. at Meeting Room A of the ICPL. The pride parade will be Saturday, June 20. Movie: My £eJq Foot: Carolan reported on the most recent movie showing. Tom Dickerson got Keith Ruff to do the introduction, which everyone agreed was wonderful. Carolan passed along Dickerson's thanks to all the Commissioners who attended. NEW BUSINESS: Analysis on Impediments to Fair Housing: Shank asked for comments on the packet of materials she had previously provided the Commissioners. Several Commissioners commented on the clarity of presentation in the materials. Shires did point out one typographical error. Harvey asked if Housing and Inspections were still handing out info (on discrimination and the Commission) as permits are applied for and/or renewed. Shank said she wasn't sure; she knew they hand out ADA information. Shank indicated we still publish the newspaper ad every week. Harvey asked if we could somehow be included in the "survival kits" that the Landlord-Tenant Association apparently distributes. Shank said she'd check. There was also discussion about the Housing Authority; Shank said she'd make sure they have enough of our pamphlets. Shank indicated the HUD substantial equivalency approval is still pending. There was some discussion of what other kind of housing educational forum the Commission might present, and how best to get the people to attend who most need this information. Microfilm Policy: Shank explained what we have been doing in terms of microfilm and case storage, and reviewed the new policy. The new policy provides that the hard copy files will be sent to the State (ICRC) for storage for a minimum of 5 years. The microfilm rolls will be kept in a fireproof. safe under the control of the Human Rights Coordinator. Jehle moved that the microfilm policy be accepted. Shires seconded. All in favor; no opposed. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Warren: Wynona LeDuke is coming to speak April 23 at 13I. Take Our Daughters to Work Day is also April 23. Jehle: Attended a lecture in Arizona by Morris Dees on hate crimes and human rights issues. She wanted to report on this, but was losing her voice due to a cold. She'll type up a report Human Rights Commission March 23, 1998 Minutes Page 4 for any Commissioners who are interested. Jehle: Discussed an NPR report on Michael Richards and Candleworks. Major had heard this as well. Jehle: Brought up a 60 Minutes report on the increasing number of gay/lesbian/sexuality studies programs at colleges and universities across the country. The report mentioned the University of Iowa (which has a program starting). Jehle inquired whether anyone else felt the report was biased--in that they clearly took the position that the programs were not a good idea, or somehow less than valid. Warren: Brought up for discussion a recent e-mail message received by several people which indicated that one of the state Civil Rights Commissioners was allegedly taking part in seminars called "Just Another Choice." The seminars were billed as ways to help people respond to "the encroaching threat of the homosexual agenda." The ICRC Commissioner was allegedly identifying himself as an "ex-gay." Warren asked if this information could be verified somehow, and Shank said she would do so. Jehle: Has information available on the Citizen's Police Academy, since several Commissioners had asked her about it. Major: Relayed an incident he witnessed in 1996 involving the Coralville police and a large group of his son's teenage friends, which had a racial overtone to it. STATUS OF CASES: There are two cases in legal. Each of the teams either has or is in the process of signing off on a case decision. There is one interim mediation agreement pending. Two complainants have indicated they wish to withdraw their complaints, but the paperwork to do so isn't signed yet. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING: The April meeting will be April 27, 1998 in the Civic Center Lobby Conference Room. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Warren/Shires 03/25/98 transcribed by kkc MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MEETING ROOM A THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1998 - 5:00 PM Members Present: Linda Dellsperger, Stephen Greenleaf, Mary McMurray, Lisa Parker, Jesse Singerman, Anne Spencer, Jim Swaim, Chuck Traw Members Absent: Mark Martin Staff Present: Susan Craig, Larry Eckholt, Debb Green, Martha Lubaroff, Liz Nichols, Others: CALL TO ORDER: President Singerman called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES: At this time it was pointed out that the date on the agenda was incorrect and should have read March 26 and not the 18th. Parker said that the statement in the minutes of February 26, 1998, attributed to her, indicating solid support from the Chamber for the building project was incorrect. What she pointed out at the meeting was that the transition of the Chamber Centerspace task force went well, rather than indicating any position on the part of the chamber. Concern was expressed regarding inaccuracies appearing in minutes that go out in Council packets. At this point Craig explained the practice on corrections to minutes. Although the minutes may go out in the packet with an inaccurate statement, the correction is indicated in the beginning of the next set of minutes. Singerman was in favor of Craig's suggestion that we send a "draft" copy of minutes in the packet and then send out a final copy after approval. Craig had a conversation with the City Clerk who described this system as an option some Boards and Commissions take. Singerman asked that we amend the minutes to clarify that the $5,000 from the building project budget line would be used to pay for focus groups. After these corrections were made, the minutes were approved unanimously after a motion by Parker/Greenleaf. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Building Project: Craig reported on the Council's discussion regarding the proposed sales tax which took place at the recent informal City Council meeting. There is a majority of the Council that is in favor of moving ahead with the sales tax. There seems no question that 40% of the revenue will be allocated to pay for the Library/CenterSpace project if the bond referendum also passes. There is some hesitancy however about assigning operating costs to this revenue since it implies a dependency on the sales tax forever. A new issue raised for use of some income from sales ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1998 PAGE 2 tax was for sewer and water tax relief. Council asked what it would take to freeze the rates for these services where they are. There was a discussion regarding the significant timing issue that might involve Coralville's enthusiastic support of the sales tax. Coralville does not feel that they would be ready to take a position on how they would use the revenue until August. They would like to see the referendum moved to February/March of 1999 so there would be time to build a campaign. It could be hard from the Chamber's perspective to come up with a position until September. Other organizations may feel the same way. A question regarding what would happen if one passes and the other one does not was raised. Council will need to define, but if the library portion gets passed and the sales tax does not, property taxes could go up. The pros and cons of a general election vs a special election were also debated. In response to Swaim's suggestion to put the building only on the ballot for this fall and then try again in February if it did not pass, Craig stated that she didn't think the Council would be in favor of splitting the project. It is the Board's position that sooner is better. We've been in this process for five years and really do not want to wait. Swaim has concerns about delaying the project and as a result delaying the convening of a campaign committee. Campaign committee. The project is still being defined. We are seeking input with the use of focus groups. The Board is comfortable where they are. We will hold on to the legal opinion until such a time as we form a campaign committee. The Board will continue building project discussion next month. NEW BUSINESS B. Community Survey. An RFP was sent to five different groups who do community surveys. We received two proposals back. We are moving ahead with the Social Sciences Institute from University of Iowa. They can meet our timeline and their price was less than the other bidder. We have had two very good meetings. The quote was slightly less than the amount we requested. Craig asked the Board about a question regarding potential services provided in the future. It concerned three types of facilitities. Reading room branch, bookmobile, larger main library The Board thought mention of any type of branch should be deleted since no plans are underwa~y and they don't want to mislead people. However, the question regarding a bookmobile should be left in because we are studying costs of bookmobile service. Focus group report for the Building Committee Monday night. Craig has had several conversations with Ann Seizer, a consultant from Des Moines who has considerable experience with focus groups. Four focus groups of 10-15 people each would be about ~4,000-$5,000. Singerman felt this was important to move on quickly. ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1998 PAGE 3 STAFF REPORTS Volunteer Recognition events. A committee made up of members from each department has been working hard to plan the events. We will hold a reception on Friday, April 24 at 5:00 pro. Volunteers will be issued invitations. The staff chose a Chinese theme. The WINDOW has an original poem written by Maureen Delaney. The logo was designed by Sara Brown. Thursday, April 23 is the kids volunteer reception. Trustees can stop by at that party prior to the Board meeting. Internet information efforts. We are a little behind our time line. We hope that by May we'll have the brochure and a program ready before summer release from school. Craig included some information in the packet, and indicated that internet access is the hottest topic in the library world. Westgate lecture. An announcement was included in the packet. Hazel Westgate was a children's librarian here at ICPL for many years who left a bequest to the State Library to help with service to children. Craig will travel to Des Moines and present a special introduction at the event. Development Office report in the packet. Nineteen teams have registered so far for the spelling bee. Eckholt hopes to raise about $7,000 'which will be used for meeting room furniture. Please come. March 31 at 7:00 pm at the Highlander. Universal service discount information. Staff have completed the first segment of forms to apply for this universal service discount program established by federal law. The purpose of the program is to assist educational institutions, and libraries to provide affordable telecommunications for students and library users. The library has to apply, be confirmed and then vendor receives funds from us and from the universal services fund. It is a time consuming process, but should save several thousands of dollars a year in ongoing telecommunications charges. Web Page update. It has been and continues to be updated. We will have it set up next month for the Board to view. Dellsperger commented that she had heard very positive comments about it. Swaim commented on Nichols's talk at the United Way Directors meeting about the JCCN and what the~y can offer for nonprofit organizations in the way of web page assistance. The group was very receptive. The library is beginning to talk with the City on combining cable channels. Reminder to Board that certain criteria need to be met before they would be asked to approve anything, however the general concept was agreed to last fall. Dellsperger asked about PATV and where they would be relocating. They are starting a fund raising project and the hope is that PATV and the City's cable station can work towards the goal of having a shared facility. ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1998 PAGE 4 Damaged ceiling tiles have been replaced throughout the library. PLA conference. Six staff members attended the meeting recently in Kansas City. They attended a great series of programs. Craig explained that this conference has workshops for Trustees, Friends and volunteers. Speakers from institutions all over the country are invited. We would like to send a trustee to the next meeting which is in two years in Charlotte, NC. Opinion Piece. This article from the Press Citizen was included. The author described missing "the most user-friendly library in the world". PRESIDENT'S REPORT Singerman appointed a committee to evaluate the Director. McMurray accepted the chair. Dellsperger and Traw will serve on the committee. They will report back to Trustees in June. ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEMBERS Question from Parker regarding followup on outcome of asking CenterSpace people to revise some of the language in their visionary piece. Singerman said it had been mentioned and another meeting is set up for Monday. DISBURSEMENTS Review VISA expenditures. They were distributed at the meeting. There were no questions.. Approve disbursements for February. They were approved after a motion by Greenleaf/Parker SET AGENDA ORDER FOR APRIL MEETING The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm after a motion by Greenleaf/Spencer MINUTES PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, APRIL 9,1998--3:30PM LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM--CIVIC CENTER PRELIMINARY Subject to . .pproval MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Kevin Hanick, Nancy Purington, Terry Trueblood, Leslie Wright MEMBERS ABSENT: Clara Swan STAFFPRESENT: Joyce Carroll, Karin Franklin CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Hanick called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: There was none. The minutes of the April 2, 1998 meeting were distributed; discussion and approval of the minutes was delayed to the next regular meeting of the Committee. DISCUSSION OF OBJECTIVES: Purington explained that she and Galbraith had used the list of key words compiled at the last meeting and previously submitted objective statements to develop the draft objectives submitted to the Committee for review. Galbraith noted that the issue of inclusion of community values as a factor in decision-making about public art is incorporated into the public participation components of the objectives. Hanick indicated that he had not thought of the Committee being as involved in art education as the third objective indicated, however he was not opposed to such involvement. Wright questioned use of the word "exhibition" in the third objective, expressing the concern that this term has very specific meaning in her field and connotes an activity of creating exhibits. She questioned the ability of the Committee to create spaces to exhibit the work of an artist for an educational purpose. Discussion followed of the potential scope of the Committee's work in art education. The Committee agreed that generally there is a role for the Committee that is broadly defined at this time and that for purposes of the objectives statement, the wording should be shortened to "To contribute to the art education of the citizens of Iowa City." Hanick suggested changing the wording in the first objective from "to obtain public involvement" to" to involve the public in all PAAC projects"; everyone agreed. Hanick raised the issue of defining quality in the second objective. Galbraith responded that they felt credentials and reasonable standards agreed to by the Committee could adequately define quality. Trueblood suggested deleting the word "all" in the first objective, stating that the Committee might not wish to involve the public in all projects; the Committee concurred. Fosse and Wright addressed the objective concerning quality, stating that this objective put people on notice that the Committee was concerned with quality and would not accept any piece of art that was offered or was least expensive. Hanick expressed concern with the Committee's ability to defend its definition of Public Arts Advisory Committee April 9, 1998 Page 2 quality. Galbraith felt the Committee and the public involved in a certain project would be able to define the standards for the project. Pudngton stated that the Committee should be able to defend whatever piece they endorsed and if they couldn't defend it they shouldn't let it go forward. The Committee agreed to keep the objective referring to quality as is. Franklin requested a definition of curate, expressing a concern that this term is technical and may not be understood by many people. Wright responded that to curate means to maintain, support and develop a collection. The collection is kept safe, enhanced, repaired, or stored and continue to add to it. Franklin asked if it would be appropriate to substitute the words" develop and maintain" for "curate". Purington asked if the word maintain is used does that mean the public art allocation is used for maintenance. Wright responded that she felt this needed to be thought through and that the potential mural project raised this question. Hanick stated the issue of maintenance will need to be addressed with each project. Galbraith suggested each artist will need to indicate the maintenance needs of their work. It was agreed that maintenance was an issue the Committee needed to concern itself with and that the funding issue would need to be worked out. Debate followed of whether to use the word "develop" or "acquire". Wright argued for the term "develop" so that projects in which the artwork was integral to another project, such as the integration of art into a sidewalk, would be covered. The Committee agreed to use "develop". Wright moved to approve the objectives submitted as amended; Trueblood seconded. The motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE Franklin noted that the Committee was scheduled to meet with the City Council on April 27 to discuss the by-laws. The question to be discussed is the authority of the Committee in terms of who makes the final decision on the acquisition, commissioning and placement of art. Franklin stated that her original thinking was that the Council would finally approve all the policies and procedures of the Committee upon recommendation of the Committee, but that the decisions about individual projects would rest with the Committee and thus be separated to a degree from the political body, the Council. She drew an analogy to the Library Board. Franklin also pointed out the concerns of some Council members that the Council was ultimately responsible for anything that was displayed as public art through the auspices of this Committee. Wright asked to see the original enabling legislation for the Committee. Franklin read the resolution and found it did not speak to the issue. Trueblood asked if censorship was the issue. Franklin said yes, censorship by the political body was the concern. Wright drew an analogy to the British Arts Council in which the government was at arms length in the process and she liked that. Hanick suggested that he did not mind acknowledging the Council's ultimate authority but was concerned that the Council not attempt to replicate the process of the Committee. DISCUSSION OF DOWNTOWN PROJECT Hanick referred to the Downtown Streetscape Plan and the list of items from the last meeting. Franklin stated the kiosks need to come off the list of possible art projects since they are already being designed. Purington asked if the benches need to be deleted. Franklin responded that a single bench could be done and placed on the Plaza. Wright suggested the water feature, the planters, the stage area or an outdoor sculpture. It was clarified that the Committee is scheduled to be part of the water feature discussion already for a project in FY2000. Purington suggested that the water plant park might be the emphasis since so much attention was paid to Public Arts Advisory Committee April 9, 1998 Page 3 the downtown already. Fosse favored looking at an interesting design for the benches or a bench. Wright mentioned an interesting bench at Coe. Purington suggested viewing the percent for art tape. Purington thought benches could be designed into an amphitheater. Fosse stressed the time critical nature of a number of the elements given the construction plan work that was being done. Discussion followed of the entry to the pedestrian mall at Washington and Dubuque streets and the sculpture pads. Wright agreed to investigate how the sculpture pads were planned for the Second Street project in Cedar Rapids. Wright moved that the first public art project would be at the entry way to City Plaza at Dubuque and Washington streets and may encompass the adjacent public area called Blackhawk Mini-Park; Trueblood seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Committee agreed that they needed to meet as soon as possible with the consultant for the Downtown project to start work on the public art element. Purington moved that the PAAC determine the location of sculpture pads in Phase I of the Downtown Streetscape Plan; Galbraith seconded. The motion passed unanimously. COMMITTEE TIME Purington reported that she had called Lynette Pullman in Ames about their mural project. They had a number of problems with outdoor murals. An indoor mural had cost $120,000-200,000. The big problem with outdoor murals was maintenance. It was announced that the Iowa Arts Festival was June 10-14. Some discussion followed of whether the Committee should do anything during the festival on June 13. The next meeting was set for May 7. 1998 at 3:30p.m. Wright moved and Fosse seconded to adjourn at 5:15p.m. MUA. Minutes submitted by Karin Franklin. ppdir~min~art4-9.doc