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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-07 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1995 CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Sara Mehlin, Mel Dautremont, Ken Alison Ames Galstad, Dorothy P~ul, Harvey, Joan Jehle, Ann Shires. Gatlin, Patricia MEMBERS ABSENT: Ric Graf STAFF: Anne Burnside and Heather Shank RECOMMENDATION~ TO CITY COUNCIL None. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chainan, Alison Ames Galstad called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.. 2. INTRODUCTION OF JOAN JEHLE, NEW COMMISSION MEMBER The Chair introduced and welcomed Joan Jehle to the Human Rights Commission. 3. KARIN FRANKLIN: IOWA CITY BEYOND 2000 Karin Franklin, IC Director of Planning and Community Development, came to the Iowa City Human Rights Commission to discuss the document, "Iowa City: Beyond 2000". Ms. Franklin explained that a community group, divided into nine task forces, developed vision statements which were then combined into the preliminary document. Ms. Franklin indicated to the Commission that the final document will provide the basis for a new comprehensive plan for the City of Iowa City. The new comprehensive plan will be more visionary than the traditional land use comprehensive plan. Franklin encouraged comments and suggestions from the Commission and other groups. Dorothy Paul indicated she would like more time to study the plan before she commented. Ms. Franklin asked that any remarks be sent to her prior to March 1, 1995. Sara Mehlin, a member of the social service task force, mentioned the caring and committed people who worked on the task forces. Alison Ames Galstad asked whether the vision statement would be put in the comprehensive plan. Ms. Franklin indicated that it would and that the plan will be more specific as it becomes more comprehensive. Pat Harvey mentioned that the integration of the 9 task forces was a good start to being able to coordinate, integrate, and implement the vision in the future. 4. ELECTION OF COMMISSION OFFICERS Ann Shires nominated Alison Ames Galstad for Chairman of the Human Rights Commission and Pat Harvey seconded the Motion. Ken Gatlin nominated Patricia Harvey for Vice Chairman and Mel Dautremont seconded the nomination. Both nominations were unanimous. 5. DRAFT OF BYLAWS Patricia Harvey suggested that the draft of the by-laws was a good start. Several typographical errors were pointed out and a number of word changes were 'proposed. Under Subcommittee Appointments, Section VIII, Dorothy Paul suggested it be included in the by-laws that no more than four members of the Commission may be on a subcommittee. Alison Ames Galstad asked that Section X (D) (1), incl'~de the fact that the Human Rights Team appoints a captain for the purpose of organizing the team's activities. AlsQ, Pat Harvey thought the team should always include three Commissioners. Mel Dautremont mentioned that in some cases there is the neces~ity of just having two commissioners, therefore, she suggested the sentence state two or three members of the Commission. It was also mentioned that the by-laws should mention that the Human Rights Commission Team will submit a written probable cause decision. 6. TEAM CAPTAINS Team A: Alison Ames Galstad, Team Captain Patricia Harvey Dorothy Paul Team B: Mel Dautremont, Ken Gatlin Sara Mehlin Team Captain Team C: Ann Shire, Ric Graf Joan Jehle Team Captain 7. PUBLIC EDUCATION There will be Community Day at the Mall again on February 18, 1995. This event is sponsored by the Old Capitol Mall Association. Ken Gatlin will reserve a table for the Commission. Ann Shires and Ken Ga'tlin will represent the Commission from 10-12 a.m.. Patricia Harvey and Alison Ames Galstad will be at the table from 12-2 p.m.. Heather Shank and Ann Shires will be at the table from 2-4 p.m.. Shank mentioned a forum on discrimination that she would like to see developed that would be similar to the program offered at the Public Library by the Young Lawyers Association last year. Anne Burnside suggested speaking with the local Bar Association to see if the Commission can obtain volunteer speakers. 8. HOUSING DISCRIMINATION TESTING Heather Shank mentioned she went to the training session on housing discrimination testing in Des Moines. She indicated that there are two types of testing, on site and telephone interview t~sting. She was advised by the ICRC that persons chosen for the testing pool should be from areas other than Iowa City. The Human Rights Coordinator from Marshalltown indicated she could send people to Iowa City if we wanted to pursue the testing. Ms. Shank stressed that training is essential to avoid charges of entrapment by landlords. The courts have upheld testing, providing the testers followed the appropriate procedures. Patricia Harvey mentioned her search for the most recent information on how to apply for federal money to conduct housing discrimination testing. She mentioned how many documents she has to look through. AnnBurnside indicated she would call Leach about the latest regulations and Heather Shank indicated she would call her friend in the HUD office ih Kansas City. 9. MODUI~ HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Following discussion on Greenview (Robert Wolfe's proposed modular home park in southeast Iowa City) Project, A~nn suggested that Commission members may want to discuss the proposal with the City Council Members. The land chosen for the modular home park meets the necessary requirements for development. Available land is limited and this particular piece of land meets all the requirements for modular housing, (flat). Burnside explained to the group that there has been opposition to the low income housing development from neighborhoods in the area. The Council will address this issue on Jan. 31, 1995, at their next meeting. 10. STATUS OF CASES Heather provided an update on her case work. A predetermination settlement had been reached on the day of the Commission meeting. She indicated there are two cases currently being reviewed by Anne Burnside. 11. NEW BUSINESS Mel Dautremont informed the Commission of the Zollow~ng upcoming events: February 16, 7 p.m. IC Public Library, Room A, Forum on Violence Against Women presenters include Linda McGuire and Ashley Sovern. February 27, Gabe's Oasis, Amateur Night featuring Dr. Science and Libby Slappy. A general discussion was had on how the Commission can participate in more public outreach. Ms. Dautremont indicated the Commission has a great deal of responsibility with the human rights complaints and shequestioned whether there was sufficient time to do much more. Ms. Ames Gelstad stated that the efforts of the Commission need to mesh with other groups with similar goals. Ms. Mehlin suggested coming together with the Chamber of Commerce, subcommittee of Human Resources. This group hands out packets of information to new businesses. Sara Mehlin provided the Commission with a letter from Alison Ames Galstad concerning the attendance requirements for Commissioners as set out in the Human Rights Commission By-laws. A discussion followed. Ms Ames Galstad introduced a letter written by Michael Cavitt. Mr. Cavitt, a member of the Baha'i church, planned to publish the letter in the Press-Citizen. The letter addresses "The Model of Unity", which is the "process of intergroup Dnity." The letter expresses an interest in bringing people of diverse backgrounds together and asks that persons already 'involved in efforts to promote unity and understanding send information regarding their organization to the Press-Citizen. Ms. Ames Galstad indicated Michael Cavitt wanted the Commission to sign the letter to be published. The Commission discussed the idea and it was determined that the Commission would support the idea and offer information regarding the Commission's activitie~ to Mr. Cavitt. The Commission did not, however, wish to sign the letter as a group. 12. ADJOURNED AT 9:09 MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION JANUARY 10, 1995 CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: BENJAMIN J. MOORE, ELIZABETH SWENSON, JAYNE SANDLER, J~{ES L. HARRIS, CHARLES EASTHAM MEMBERS ABSENT: ROGER J. REILLY, JACK MCMAHON STAFF PRESENT: DOUGLAS BOOTHROY, GARY KLINEFELTER, MARIANNE MILKMAN, STEVE NASBY, KAREN FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA STROUD SECRETARY RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 8:04 ~4 by Chairperson Moore. .MINUTES: Mo~ion to approve the Minutes of November 8, 1994, was made by Sandlet, seconded by Eastham. Carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call: Moore, Swenson, Sandlet, Harris, Eastham. Absent: Reilly, McMahon. INTRODUCTION NEW HOUSING CO~MISSION MEMBER: ELIZABETH SWENSON Elizabeth Swenson was appointed on December 6, 1994, by City Council to fill the unexpired term ending May 1, 1996, which was vacated by Paetzold-Durumeric. APPEAL - DUPLEX/SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING: 710 E JEFFERSON ST- Klinefelter Nicole Pizzine, owner of property at 710 E Jefferson Street was present to appeal the Notice of Violation dated December 22, 1994, which stated the property was being rented as a duplex without a Rental Ppermit or Certificate of Structural Compliance. Klinefelter stated he went to the property as a result of a complaint that the property was being rented as a duplex. He met the tenants who were residing in the basement efficiency apartment. He observed this area was seperate from the upstairs unit and was provided a copy of a lease. Klinefelter distributed copies of documents to the Housing Commission. He stated the maximum number of unrelated people that can live in a unit is three. Pizzini stated she is not using the property as a duplex. She wants the property be be a single-family dwelling. She stated that she has people stay with her and thought four others beside herself could live there. She stated the lease was executed as a formal agreement to collect a security deposit to protect herself in case of damage to her house. She stated no one is currently living in the downstairs. Mohey collected from people living with her was a share of the utilities. PAGE 2 Motion to uphold the Notice of Violation dated December 22, 1994, for the property at 710 East Jefferson was made by Sandler, seconded by Eastham. Carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call: Moore, Swenson, Sandlet, Harris, Eastham. Absent: Reilly, McMahon. Klinefelter will do a follow-up inspection. CD HOUSING UPDATE - NASBY - Update of Greenview MHP Nasby stated Greenview MHP is a project developed by the City and a private developer, Bob Wolf to build a manufactured housing park. This park would allow families located in the flood plain to relocate. city Council continued the Public Hearing to January 17, 1995. - Update Towncrest MHC Nasby stated 32 of 54 total units at Towncrest MHC that need to relocate are out and relocated. Of the 22 remaining units, 6 have been abandoned, with 16 left to assist. COMMENTS CITY STEPS - NASBY NASBY stated the first draft of City Steps has been prepared. City Steps replaces the CHAS. City Steps includes services along with housing issues. The Priorities and Strategies given in the City Steps came from information received at the public meetings and from members of various boards. The Priorities are to be used to award all requests for CDBG and HOME funds. A Public Hearing will be held January 17, 1995. APPLICATION PROCESS CDBG/HOME - MILKMAN Milkman stated applications for CDBG/HOME funds will be available January 11, 1995 and due February 10, 1995. It is proposed that CCN & Housing Commission hold joint hearings for all requests for housing funds on February 22 and 23, 1995, 6:30-9:30 PM. Housing Commission will discuss all housing requests at their March 14, 1995, meeting. A decision will need to be made on HOME funds, and recommendations to CCN will need to be made for CDBG funds. IOWA CITY BEYOND 2000 VISION PLAN - FRANKLIN Franklin stated "Iowa City: Beyond 2000" project is Iowa City's vision for the future and sets the direction the City takes in it's Comprehensive Plan, which will be developed by the Planning & Zoning Commission. There are no federal guidelines or requirements. Task forces were put together and asked to formulate v~eion statements and goals. The draft of "Iowa City: Beyond 2000" is a complilation of those vision statements and goals that Boards and Commissions are being asked to review and offer cormments to Planning & Zoning. PAGE 3 CCN REPORT - HARRIS Appoint New Representative Harris has been attending CCN meetings as the Housing Commission representative on a temporary basis. Milkman stated that it will be recommended in the next year that the two be combined. CCN's biggest responsibility is allocation of CDBG funds. February and March are the busiest months. Harris stated he will continue for the next month or two and Swenson stated she would also attend. HOUSING AUTHORITY REPORT - BOOTBROY Boothroy stated Henderson resigned in November. currently being readvertised. The position is Boothroy stated that 1926 Broadway street apartments burned in December. Four units were vacant and the remaining six tenants were given.Vouchers or Certificates to relocate. All tenants except one have been relocated. Council passed a Resolution declaring an emergency. No formal bidding process is required. Bids will be submitted to ABRMA for review. It is not known at this time when the units will be back on line. Boothroy discussed the statistics. The Housing Authority continues aggressively issuing every two weeks. HUD had stated no relief will be provided for the unoccupied units at Broadway. The Neighborhood Center after school program at Shamrock Place started January 1, 1995, and will run for one year. Neighborhood Center pays rent in the amount of $300.00 per month. The maximum number of children is eleven. Only tenants of Public Housing units are eligible and families pay based on income. Four houses have been obtained so far for the new acqusition project of ten units. The cap is $93,500.00 and it has been harder to find units than it was for the last acquisition project of twenty units two years ago. The proposed new Utility Allowances have not been forwarded to City Council. They would hinder the use of the Certificates with the current FMR. The new. Utility Allowances will need to be in place to adjust the FMR's. Boothroy stated next month the Housing Commission will review proposed Housing code Amendments and also a proposed change in the Housing Authority definition of "family". The "family" definition will be changed to include same-sex families. The City provides health care benefits to same-sex families so the verification required to prove family status for the Housing Authority eligibility will include some PAGE 4 of the same criteria the City uses. HANDOUTS: CITIZENS' SUMMARY 1996-98 PROPOSED FINANCIAL PLAN IOWA CIT~ ADJOURNMENT - Motion for adjournment at 10:02 AM. APPROVED 19!ng Co. mmiss~on Chairperson CITY OF EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION HELD ON THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1999 AT CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:05 ~4 BY CHAIRPERSON MOORE. MEMBERS PRESENT~ BENJAMIN J. MOORE, CHARLES EASTHAM, JAMES L. H~IS, ROGER J REILLY, JACK MCMAHON ~MBERS ABSENT~ ELIZABETH SWENSON, JAYNE BANDLER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL: THAT ALLOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000.00 FOR LIFE SKILLS COME FROM THE CITY BUDGET FOR FY96 THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEM WAS DISCUSSED: OLD BUSINESS Harris stated. he attended City Council meeting and distributed a copy of his memo to the City Council re: Request for funds for contract services to assist recipients of housing vouchers and certificates to succeed in finding suitable dwelling units. Life Skills has requested funding in the amount of $35,000.00 from the City for a full time staff person to continue assisting families with vouchers and certificates to find units. MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT ALLOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000.00 FOR LIFE SKILLS COME FROM THE CITY BUDGET FOR FY96 WAS MADE BY MCMAHON, SECONDED BY REILLY, CARRIED 5-0. AFFIRMATIVE ROLL CALL VOTE: MOORE, EASTHAM, HARRIS, REILLY, MCMAHON. ABSENT: SWENSON, SANDLER. EXTRACT