HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-1998 Communication CITY OF I0 WA CITY
January 9, 1998
Mayor Ernie Lehman and CiW Council
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor and City Council:
At our meeting of January 8, 1998, the Police Citizens' Review Board
unanimously voted to request an extension of the 30-day reporting deadline
according to City Code Section 8-8-7B.6.
To ensure the investigation is conducted in a manner which is fair, thorough
and accurate, we are requesting a 45-day extension for the following
reasons:
· the complainant(s) have expressed an interest in mediation;
· a number of reports are due within a short time period;
· additional information has been requested on a particular complaint.
The Board has scheduled meetings for Friday, January 23; Thursday, January
29; Tuesday, February 3; Thursday, February 5; Monday, February 9; and
Wednesday, February 25. It is the Board's intent to have completed reports
to you no later than March 2, 1998.
Sincer~ety,~
Police Citizens' Review Board
Revision 1/16/98
FORM
Date:
NIme
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear
The Police Citizen Review Board acknowledges receipt of your recent complaint.
I want you to know that in addition to the Iowa City Police Depm tment's investigation
and the subsequent PCRB's review, another option available to you is formal mediation.
This would occur when all parties agree to meet with a mutually acceptable third-party
mediator (non-City staff) in an attempt to reach a resolution of your complaint. This
mediator would be a neutral party who is specially trained in mediation. This is offered at
no expense to the parties.
I would also like to point out that you may meet informally with the police officer who is
the subject of your complaint and the depamnent supervisor of the police officer if you
wish to do this in an effort to resolve your complaint informally. If you would like to meet
with them informally, please call the Chief of Police, K J. Winkelhake at (319)356-5270.
I encourage you to consider either alternative method in an effort to resolve the issues in
your complaint. Again, they are available to you at any point during the investigation
process. If you are interested in formal mediation, please contact Sandy Bauer at
356.5413 or Marian Kart at 356-5041.
Sincerely,
Paul Hoffey, Chair
Police Citizen Review Board
cc: PCRB
R.J. Winkelhake
Law Office of
KATE CORCORAN
220 Lafayette Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1746
Telephone: (319) 351-3646
Facsimile: (319) 338-2140
January 15, 1998
Sandy Bauer
Administrative Assistant
Police Citizens' Review Board
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Provision of Mediation Services
Dear Sandy:
Thank you for contacting me earlier this week. This is to confirm that I am
interested in mediating disputes filed with the Police Citizens' Review Board of
Iowa City.
As I told you when we spoke by phone, I am an attorney who has practiced
exclusively as a mediator since September 1996. Please find enclosed a biographical
sketch, resume, and copies of certificates I received for the 80 hours of mediation
training I received in the summer of 1996. I have probably had at least an additional
30 hours of mediation training since then, mostly in the form of continuing legal
education courses.
Here's a quick breakdown of the 59 cases I've handled during the 16 months
I've been in practice:
· 10 employment complaints (for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission)
· 23 civil actions (personal injury, debt collection, landlord-tenant,
consumer, and mental commitment disputes)
· 26 divorce and/or custody cases
At this date, I have not mediated any case in which the City of Iowa City has been a
party. I am a roster mediator for the Sixth Judicial District Family Mediation
Program, and also mediate small claims cases in Johnson County District Court. In
December 1997 1 signed a contract as a mediator-in-training for the Iowa Public
Employee Relations Board, which oversees and adjudicates all collective bargaining
agreements with public employees in the state.
Sandy Bauer
January 15, 1998
Page 2 of 2
I charge an hourly rate of $100 for medation services, as well as for work I do
during or after a mediation session on drafting and finalizing in written form any
settlement agreement reached by the parties. Unless a case involves a significant
amount of preparation on my part or extraordinary time spent on the phone with
the parties to schedule mediation sessions, negotiate ground rules, etc., I usually
don't charge for such work.
Lastly, please find enclosed a sample "Agreement to Mediate," which I
provide to parties in advance, discuss with them at their first mediation session,
and request that they join me in signing prior to the start of mediation.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please let me know if you would like me
to provide additional information.
Sincerely yours,
Kate Corcoran
Enclosures
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Kate Corcoran - Attorney Mediator
220 Lafayette Street - P.O. Box 2401
Iowa City, Iowa 52244-2401
Telephone: (319) 351-3646
Facsimile: (319) 338-2140
Kate Corcoran is an Iowa City-based attorney whose practice is limited to
mediation. Having completed over 100 hours of training in civil, divorce, and
victim-offender mediation, she has qualified for membership on the roster of
mediators maintained in Lima and Johnson counties by the Sixth Judicial District
Family Mediation Project. Kate is also a volunteer mediator for the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission and the Johnson County Small Claims Court Mediation Project.
An Iowa City native who graduated from the University of Iowa in 1970 with a
bachelor's degree in education, Kate spent six years as an elementary and high school
teacher in Kuwait, Zambia, Sweden and Massachusetts. After receiving a master's
degree in journalism from Columbia University in 1978, she was a researcher for
WCBS-TV in New York City; assistant foreign editor of CBS News; a reporter and copy
editor for The Daily Dispatch, a newspaper in Moline, Ill.; and managing editor of a
monthly magazine in Brussels, Belgium. In 1986 Kate returned to Iowa City, and
became a writer for University of Iowa News Services.
In 1991 she received a law degree with distinction from the UI, where she was
managing editor of the Iowa Law Review. Kate worked one year as law clerk to Iowa
Supreme Court Justice Linda K. Neuman, followed by two years as an associate with
Childers & Fiegen, a Cedar Rapids firm specializing in commercial litigation and
bankruptcy. From November 1994 to August 1996, she was project director of the
Iowa Supreme Court Commission on Planning for the 21st Century, a 72-member task
force that made a comprehensive study of Iowa's state court system.
Kate serves on the District 6 Judicial Nominating Commission, and is a
member of the Johnson County, American and Iowa State Bar associations (ADR
Section Council); Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPIDR); Iowa
Association for Dispute Resolution (IADR); Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys;
and Dean Mason Ladd American Inn of Court.
She is also an adjunct assistant professor in the UI School of Journalism and
Mass Communication, a member of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment, and is fluent
in Swedish.
KATE CORCORAN
220 Lafayette Street Phone: (319) 351-3646
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1746 Fax: (319) 338-2140
EXPERIENCE
Law-related
1996- LAW Oldie'ICE OF KATE CORCORAN IOWA CITY, IOWA
Solo practice limited to mediation of all types of disputes.
1994-96 IOWA SUPREME COURT DES MOINES, IOWA
Project director, Commission on Planning for the 21st Century. Responsible
for day-to-day administration of two-year, $250,000 court futures project.
Duties included organizing and staffing two conferences for full 72-member
Commission as well as monthly meetings held by steering committee and
five 12-member teams; setting agendas, compiling minutes and handling
mass mailings; helping design, write and edit the Commission's final report;
writing press releases and providing public relations support; researching
and drafting questions for a public opinion survey; jointly conducting focus
groups with 141 court stakeholder participants; making presentations to
attorneys, judges and court personnel; and arranging for public hearings.
1992-94 CHILDERS & FIEGEN, P.C. CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
Associate in four-attorney firm specializing in commercial litigation and
bankruptcy. Counseled clients, drafted pleadings, motions and briefs,
conducted discovery, negotiated settlements, appeared at hearings and
trials. Was a participating attorney in the Iowa Volunteer Lawyer Project.
1991-92 IOWA SUPREME COURT DES MOINES, IOWA
Law clerk to Justice Linda K. Neuman, Davenport, Iowa.
Summer 1990 STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES IOWA CITY, IOWA
Legal intern. Represented UI student clients in criminal and civil matters.
Cases included OWI, possession of controlled substances, thefts, divorces,
landlord-tenant disputes, and debtor-creditor and personal injury actions.
Summer 1989 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IOWA
Research assistant to Mary Dudziak, UI law professor and historian with
specialties in constitutional law and disability rights. Tracked down cases,
articles and books, wrote memoranda and edited drafts of scholarly articles.
Teaching
1994- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IOWA
Adjunct assistant professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Have taught courses in editing, journalistic reporting and writing, legal
reporting and persuasive writing.
1969-76 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS KUWAIT, SWEDEN, ZAMBIA
High school, elementary and ESL teacher. Also taught Grade 4 in Lexington,
Mass., 1975-76.
University Relations
1986-88 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IOWA
Writer, University News Services. Wrote news and feature articles on
faculty, students and university life. Provided public relations support for
colleges of Law and Business Administration, institute of Public Affairs, and
Division of Continuing Education. Marketed stories to local and national
media. Assisted reporters covering UI personnel, research and events.
Newspaper
Summer 1997 THE DAILY IOWAN IOWA CITY, IOWA
Writing coach for 25,000-circulation student daily. Worked with editors and
reporters, wrote daily critiques and attended weekly editorial meetings.
1980, 1984-85 THE DAILY DISPATCH (afternoon daily) MOLINE, ILLINOIS
1985 Copy editor. Also did layout for business and farm sections. '
1984 Reporter for federal and state courts, Rock Island police, schools
and city government. Also edited "Reminder," a 12-page weekly
supplement for the Rock Island area. Hired/supervised writers;
assigned stories and photos; did copy editing and layout.
1980 Business reporter. Covered industrial, banking, real estate, labor,
retail and transportation sectors of Quad-City economy. On
weekends, did police and general assignment reporting.
Magazine
1982-83 RENDEZ-VOUS (English monthly) BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Managing editor. Responsible for editorial content of magazine. Trained and
supervised staff; assigned stories and artwork. Shot photos and wrote
stories; also did rewriting and copy editing, layout and paste-up.
Spring 1977 MIDDLE EAST MONEY (English bi-weekly) PARIS, FRANCE
Reporter. Wrote articles on French-Saudi relations, the Middle East car and
truck markets, and industrialization in Qatar.
Television
1978-80 CBS, INC. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
1979-80 Assistant foreign editor, CBS News. Assigned and supervised
dally news coverage outside the U.S. by CBS staff in 12 foreign
bureaus and stringers worldwide. Also arranged for coverage of
international stories for use on '60 Minutes," CBS Radio
programs, network documentaries and "specials."
1978-79 Production associate, CBS News' documentary division. Did
research and handled production arrangements for "Inside
Yesterday," a historical documentary pilot program that aired
in 1979 with Mike Wallace as correspondent.
EDUCATION
1991 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IOWA
Received J.D. degree with distinction. Member (1989-90) and managing
editor (1990-91) of Iowa Law Review. Member of Faculty Appointments
Committee, Organization for Women Law Students and Staff, Iowa
Society of Law and international Affairs, and Commencement Committee.
Planned and coordinated 1989 UI Women in Law Conference.
1978 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NEW YORK, NEW YORK
M.S. degree in journalism. Lydia C. Roberts Fellowship. Worked part time as
co-anchor of a weekly cable TV program on educational issues that was
produced and broadcast by Columbia Teachers College.
1970 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IOWA
B.A. degree in elementary and special education. Awarded State of Iowa
Scholarship; member of Mortar Board and Pi Lambda Theta honor societies.
Elected as off-campus representative to student government; was active in a
host of campus organizations.
LANGUAGES Fluent in Swedish, proficient in French.
OTHER SERVICE
Boards & Commissions
1996- District 6 Judicial Nominating Commission
1996- Iowa City Board of Adjustment
1996-97 Iowa Supreme Court Planning Implementation Committee
Volunteer work
1997- Mediator - Johnson County Small Claims Court Mediation Program
1996- Mediator - Iowa Civil Rights Commission
1997- Holiday Bazaar Committee - Johnson County Senior Citizens Center
1991- Judge - Client Counseling Program - UI College of Law
1991- Judge - Moot Court competitions - UI College of Law
Professional groups (current)
American Bar Association (section on dispute resolution)
Iowa State Bar Association (ADR section council member and editor of
section newsletter, co-chair of section CLE committee; member of Young
Lawyers Division CLE committee)
Johnson County Bar Association (chair of ADR committee)
Dean Mason Ladd American Inn of Court
Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys
Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution
Iowa Association for Dispute Resolution (chair of elections committee)
Professional Women's Network (program, networking committees)
Johnson County Area Women's Network (publicity, hospitality committees)
A*D*R
I NCO RPOII. AT EO
CERTIFICATE OF GOMPLETION
40 ~urs of
BASIC CIVIL MED/ATION TRAINING
August 14 - 18, 1996
Denver, Colorado
KATE CORCORAN - Attorney Mediator
220 Lafayette Street
P,O, Box 2401
iowa City, iowa 52244-2401
(319) 351-3646
AGREEMENT TO MEDIATE
This Agreement is between and
(hereafter referred to as the parties) and mediator
Kate Corcoran. The parties are represented by attorney
and attorney , respectively. The parties have agreed that
Kate Corcoran (hereafter referred to as the mediator) shall serve as mediator in
connection with case no. , filed in Court (or
name of federal, state or local agency). The provisions of this agreement are as
follows:
1. Mediation is a process in which an impartial third person - the mediator -
facilitates the resolution of a dispute by promoting voluntary agreement by the
parties to the dispute. The parties should reach decisions voluntarily, with
decisions based on sufficient factual data and understanding. While mediation
may be viewed as an alternative means of dispute resolution, it is not designed
to protect the legal rights of the parties and is not a substitute for independent
legal advice.
2. Although mediator Kate Corcoran is an attorney, she does not and will not offer
legal or tax advice to either party, nor will she provide any legal representation to
them. As a mediator, she is a neutral facilitator who will assist the parties to
reach their own settlement agreement.
3. The parties are hereby informed and advised that each should retain his or her
own attorney in order to be properly advised of his or her legal interests, rights
and obligations. Not only should the parties employ independent legal counsel
for advice, they should consult with their own counsel throughout the
mediation process and prior to signing any settlement agreement.
4. The parties understand that in order for mediation to work, open and honest
communications are essential. Accordingly, all written and oral communica-
tions, negotiations and statements made in the course of mediation will be
treated as privileged settlement discussions and are absolutely confidential.
Therefore, it is further agreed that:
a. The mediator will not disclose to any third party any written or oral
communications, negotiations and statements made in the course of
mediation, unless such disclosure is required by law, without the prior
consent of the parties. If subpoenaed by a third party or otherwise notified
to testify, the mediator will inform the parties immediately so as to afford
them an opportunity to take action to quash the subpoena or notice.
Agreement to Mediate/Page 2 of 3
b. The parties also agree that they themselves will not at any time, before, during
or after mediation, call the mediator as a witness in any legal or administrative
proceeding concerning this dispute. To the extent they may have a right to call
the mediator as a witness, the parties hereby waive that right.
c. The parties agree not to subpoena or demand the production of any records,
notes, work product or the like of the mediator in any legal or administrative
proceeding concerning this dispute. To the extent that they may have a right to
subpoena or demand these documents, the parties hereby waive that right.
d. If, at a later time, either party decides to subpoena or otherwise call the mediator
as a witness in a legal or administrative proceeding, the mediator will move to
quash the subpoena or notice.
e. The exception to section 4(c) above is that this Agreement to Mediate and any
written settlement agreement made and signed by the parties as a result of this
mediation may be used in any relevant proceeding.
f. Furthermore, this Agreement to Mediate does not prohibit the release of
information by the parties in an application to a court by a party to have a
mediated settlement agreement set aside or reformed.
5. Mediation is a voluntary process, and it is understood that any party may
terminate at any time. However, the parties agree that anyone wishing to
terminate mediation will do so during a mediation session.
6. If the mediator determines that the parties are unable or unwilling to meaning-
fully participate in the mediation process or that reasonable agreement is
unlikely, the mediator may suspend or terminate mediation.
8. If a settlement agreement is reached by the parties, the mediator will document
its terms in written form. Each party is advised to review the written settlement
agreement with his or her own attorney before it is placed in final form and
signed by the parties.
9. The mediator's fee will be $100 an hour for mediation sessions, whether individual
or joint sessions. The mediator will also be paid $100 an hour for time she spends
working on, drafting and finalizing a written settlement agreement, whether that
occurs during a mediation session or at a later time. The parties understand that the
mediator's fees will normally be paid at the end of each session, unless special
arrangements have been made in advance. The parties also understand that they
will be billed by invoice for their share of the mediator's fee for preparing the settle-
ment agreement, and each party agrees to pay the invoiced amount within 30 days
of the date of the invoice, unless special arrangements have been made with the
mediator in advance. The parties agree to share on an equal basis payment of the
mediator's fees (or however they want to handle this).
Agreement to Mediate/Page 3 ors
10. This Agreement to Mediate reflects the commitment of each party to negotiate
fairly, honestly and equitably during the mediation process.
I have read, understand and agree to each I have read, understand and agree to each
of the provisions of this agreement, of the provisions of this agreement.
Party's name Party's name
Title (if applicable) Title (if applicable)
Organization (if applicable) Organization (if applicable)
Address Address
Town, State, Zip Town, State, Zip
D~e Da~
Kate Corcoran
Attorney Mediator
220 Lafayette Street
P.O. Box 2401
Iowa City, Iowa 52244-2401
Date
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE e-mail: iapeacei@ac.grin.edu
Chair
George Drake January 12, 1998
Vice-Chair
Susan Fisher
Ms. Sandy Bauer
Secretary C/O City Clerk's Office
Donald L. Schild
410 E. Washington Street
Treasurer Iowa City, IA 52240
Mary Grefe
Dear Ms. Bauer:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Father Marvin Boos Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Iowa Peace Institute. I
Donald Byers
Jean Lloyd-Jones am sorry one of our mediators was not available to take your call
Dawn Tayicr today. They should be here the rest of the week, so please call if
Maggie Tinsman you have questions.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
C. Gregory Buntz [ have enclosed sample copies of the forms that are provided to
the parties in a mediation as I thought this might prove helpful
for your board. I am also sending some general information on
the Iowa Peace Institute describing mediation and other services
we have available.
Again, thank you for calling. Please let us know if we can be of
further assistance,
Sincerely,
Darlene Goodrich, Business Manager
Preparing for Mediation
Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party ~~ a mediator ~~ fadlitates the
resolution of a dispute by promoting voluntary agreement by the parties to the dispute.
Simply put, mediation is a process of structured and assisted negotiation. The mediator
is the manager of the process. The content of the negotiation is the province of the
people in dispute. The mediator establishes at the outset a few basic guidelines for the
process. The mediator is not an advocate for any party, rather he or she is an advocate
for the process.
The chances for a successful mediation are greatly enhanced when the people in dispute
have given prior thought to several important areas. These include both relationship
(interpersonal) and substantive (terms) issues. In both areas, it must be determined
what one wants and what one needs. "Wants" are typically expressed as the vositions
people take. "Needs" are the underlying concerns or interests which are often at the
heart of the matter. Agreement is reached when sufficient "wants" and "needs" of both
parties are satisfied.
In managing the mediation process, it is the mediator's role to help each side identify
and clarify its interests within these areas, as well as their relative importance. If an
agreement is to be lasting, the parties must be forthright in talking about what they
need and why.
Relationship issues involve personal feelings, and these can be driven by strong emo-
tions. It is important that these be expressed for a dispute to be negotiated and settled.
One of the mediator's roles is to assist disputants in airing their feelings about differ-
ences so that they can fully come to terms with the situation.
A number of questions are offered on the other side of this page to help you think
through what the substantive and relationship issues are for you.
At the close of the mediation session(s), please do take a few minutes to complete an
evaluation. It provides much important information to help us as mediators. Thank
you.
See tho other side of this page for questions to consider as ~lOU approach mediation.
The Iowa Peace Institute · 917 10th Avenue · P.O. Box 480 · Grinnell, Iowa 50012 · tel: (515) 236-4880 * f~x: (515) 236-6905
Mediation Information and Guidelines
Successful mediation depends upon the voluntary agreement of the parties
to:
· Work together to jointly create a mutually satisfactory resolution of the situa-
tion faring them;
· Negotiate in good faith;
· Treat each other with respect; and
· Listen without interruption.
The medlntion proces~ While mediation is not a linear process, gener~lly
it proceeds in the following phn~es:
1. Ope~inE remarks by the mediator;, parties review and sign Agreement to
Mediate.
2. Opening statements are given by the part/es. Usually the party requesting
mediation speaks first, then the other party given hi~ or her statement.
3. Issues are identified and clarified.
4. Solution options are jointly developed -- without evaluation or judgment.
5. Parties evaluate options and, with the assistance of the mediator, negotiation
begins.
6. The mediator m~y confer privately (caucus) with either or both parties.
7. When the parties reach an understanding, a Mediation Agreement is written
and signed. Copies are given to each party, and the mediator closes the
session.
Tmportant pOintS tO understand:
· ~Ls deRned in a doo~ment jointly produced by the American Arbitration Asso-
ciation, the American Bar Association, and the Society of Profesoio~ls in
Dispute Resolution, mediation is defined as a process in which an impar-
tial thi,-d party ~~ a mediator ~~ facilitates the resolution of a dis-
pute by promoting voluntary agreement (or "self determi,~=tion~) by
the parties to the dispute. A medlntor facilitates comm,,nlcations,
promotes understanding, focuses the parties on their interests, and
seeks creative problem solving to e,~ble the parties to reach their
own agreement.
· The mediator is a neutral person who is not an ~gent for any party. The
mediator is to assist and help the parties reach their own settlement or
agreement and does not give legal advice.
· For mediation to work, open and direct comm~mlcation are essential. Media-
tion sessions must be help in confidence. Electronic recording of sessions is
not permitted.
~1~} The Iowa Peace Institute · 917 10th Avenue · P.O. Box480 · Grinnell Xowa 50012 · tel: (515)236-4880 · fax: (515)236-6~05
IOWA PEACE INSTITUTE
The Iowa P-*,',' Institute · P.O. Box480 · Grinnell Iowa 50012 · tel: (515)2.36-4880 · fax: (515)236-6905
AGRF. FMENT TO MEDIATE
We, the undersigned parties, do on this __ day of ,
1997, agree that:
I. We will engage in mediation conducted by the Iowa Peace Institute (IPD with aa the Mediator.
2. The provisions of the Mediation Information and Guidelines attached are made a paxt of this
agreement.
3. All mediation discussions constitute settlement negotiations. They shall be confidential (unless
otherwise provided in the Mediation Agreement), and shall not be admissible as arguments or
evidcnoe in a hearing or in any legal proceeding.
4. Each party waives thc right to call the IPI or the Mediator as a witness or to request production of
their records. Further if thc IP!/Mediator is subpoenaed, thc party subpoenaing IPl/Mediator will
reimburse thc latter for any expenses lPI/Mediator occurs in such action, including attorneys fees
plus $100 per hour for any of the Mediator's time taken in responding to thc subpoena.
5. Each party holds the IPI/Mediator harmless, and does indemnify the ltal/Mediator for, any and all
claims, demands, damages, or liab'tlifies which arise aa a result of (or from acts or omissions
during) the entire mediation process, also including the Mediation Agreement.
Mediator - Print Name Sig~o~re
Party - Print Name Signatu~
Party - Print Name Signature
Case Number:.
Iowa Peace Institute
P.O. Mx 480
Grinnell, IA 50112
Mediation Evaluation
To help us provide the best possible dispute resolution services and to evaluate our effective-
ness, please take a few minutes to respond to the following questions. A postpaid envelope is
enclosed for you.
Your perceptions are very important to ns.
1. What did you expect to achieve from participating in the mediation?
2. Before mediation, how did you feel about the possibility of finding a satisfactory solution?
__ Optimistic __ Ambivalent __ Pessimistic
3. Did you find the written materials on preparing for mediation sent to you by our office?
helpful __ not helpful
4. If not helpful, please explain
The Mediator
5. Did the mediator understand enough about your situation to be helpful? __ Yes No
6. How adequately was mediation explained before the session began?
__ Very adequately __ Adequately __ Inadequately
7. Did the mediator help you and the other party move toward agreement? Yes No
8. Was there sufficient opportunity to hear all sides of the issues? __ Yes No
9. What is your overall evaluation of the w~,,diator?
Excellent Good Mediocre Poor
- continued on other side-
10. Did you reach consensus on issues? __ Yes No
a. If yes, are you satisfied with the outcome?
__Very satisfied __ Partially satisfied __ Dissatisfied
b. If no, why do you think you did not reach consensus?
Not everyone was willing to participate
I was not willing to participate
I did not have sufficient information to participate
Other
11. Regardless of whether or not you reached consensus:
Did you get a better understanding of the issues? __ Yes __ No
Did you get a better understanding of your own interests? __ Yes __ No
Did you get a better understanding of others' interests? __ Yes __ No
Do you feel that you are now better able to talk together? __ Yes __ No
1Z What is your overall evaluation of the mediation process?
__ Excellent __ Good __ Mediocre __ Poor
13. Do you have any other comments about the process or the mediator?
IOWA PEACE INSTITUTE
917 Tenth Avenue · Box 480 - Grinnell, IA 50112
515/236-4880 · FAX 515/2366905
emall: lapeacel~ac.g rt n.e~u
C. Gregory Buntz, Ph.D.
Executive Director
FACT SHEET: Fall, 1997
IVHSSION 6, Collaborate with other ovgavi ~,~ tions to promote and
The Iowa Peace Institute is a public-private partnership; teach non-violent and non-adver'~arial approaches to
a non-profit corporation receiving state and private resolving conflict.
funding that exists because violence is an unacceptable
way o f dealing with conflict. The mission of the Institute FUNDING
is to reduce the costs of conflict and to help people solve Early funding sources included individuals, small bnsi-
the problems that keep them apart, nesses, corporations, a consortium of Iowa colleges and
universities, and the State of Iowa. The Peace Institute
ORIGINS ~till ~{ves.some state support and corporate, business,
The idea for a peace institute in lowa was first conceived and individual donations. The Institute also applies for,
after Congress had authorized the United States Insti- and has received, foundation and government grants,
tute of Peace (USIP) in 1994. The following year a and also generates revenue from fees for services.
bipartisan group of lowa'sleaders in government, busi-
ness and education was convened to develop a strategy ADMINISTRATION
for convincing the USIP to locate in Iowa. After it The lnstitute is administerecl by a governing board of l l
became evident that the USIP would remain in Wash- members. The Institute staffing includes one executive
ingtun, DC, the Iowa group met several times and position (the Executive Director also has major program
gained support within the state, as well as rogionaily responsibilities), two program positions, two adminis-
and nationally, to develop its own peace institute. Both trative positions, and a varying number of independent
the legislature and the governor endorsed the proposal contractors, volunteers and collegeinterns. These are not
and provided appropriate resolutions of support, aH full-time positions, and currently, the Peace Institute
employes the full-time equivalent of slightly less than
Planning sessions with nearly 100 Iowans were used in five people.
the creation of the Iowa Peace Institute in 1986. The
sessions established both a long-term vision for the SELECt'EL} ACCOMPLISHMENTS - 1987-1997
Institute and some practical steps for implementation. Conflict Resolution
Perhaps the most significant conclusion was that Insti- · Helped establish a cadre of conflict management
tute programming should have practical application teacher-~ainers in Iowa, resulting in over 12,000 stu-
both locally and internationally, dentsbeing trained as peer mediatorsand over I00,000
students learning practical conflict resolution skills.
PURPOSE: · Cooperated with the University of Northern lowa to
1. Provide training and education programs in nego- provide conflict resolution training in its teacher
fiation skills and conflict resolution, education program.
2. Promote the use of peaceful approaches to conflict · Conducted hundreds of training sessions or work-
management and conflict resolution in communi- shops to help more than lO,500lowansbecomeskilled
ties, schools, businesses, nofi-profit, and public in techniques of mediation and conflict management.
organizations. · Conducted or cosponsored six statewide conferences
3. Provide dispute resolution and problem solving re- focusing on conflict resolution with a total of 1~0
sources to as,sist individuals and organizationsin the psrtidpants.
resolution of disputes using non-violent and non- o Mediated numerous workplace disputes involving
adversarial methods such as mediation, private, public and non-profit organizations
4. Develop programs that promote international un- throughtuut Iowa.
derstanding and peace among and within nations. · Mediated numerous conflicts involving special edu-
5. Build a library of materials on peace and conflict cation matters throughtout Iowa.
resolution, and make it available to the general · Mediatedseveralchurchconflict~indifferentpartsof
public and to scholars and students in the field, the state.
· Assisted a major healthcareorganizationinlowa PUBLICATIONS
with the design and implementation of an employee · Newsletter provided four times per year to over
conflict management system. 6,000 readers.
· Intervened in a municipal hospital dispute involving · FOSTERING PEACE: A Comparison of Conflict
the board, staff, physicians, and city hall in north lution Approaches fur Students (K-12).
central Iowa. · The Role of Mediation and Conflict Resolution in ad-
. Mediated the dissolution of a professional corpora- dressing Hateful Speech and Gang Issues.
tion in the health care field. · The Mediation Process - Why it Works.
· Mediated a construction dispute in central Iowa.
· Provided meeUng facilitation services to school II,FORMATION SERVICES
districts, a dry human rights commission, and reit- · With assistance of a grant from the U. S.
giousand communitygroup~. Institute of Peace, established a speci;ati~.a:d
· Conducted an organizational analysis and p]rovided library of 2,000 books and 200 video~
recommendations for resolving conflict for a major able to the public. Approximately 240 patrons
employer in central Iowa. per year make use of materials from the library.
· Established a divorce mediation project in Iowa's · With assistance of a grant from the U. S. inferma-
Eighth Judidal District with the help of an Iowa tion Agency, collected books which were shipped
Supreme Court grant, to Bulgaria, resulting in the country's largest
· Established a community building project, English-language Library.
Community Building in Grinnell (CBIG), to demon-
strafe the effectiveness of a community-wide collabo- IN-I-{~I~NSH]~ PROGRAM
rative problem solving. · Providedsemester-long, cmditinternshipsforover
30 Iowa college students.
International Understanding, · Provided para~time, paid support staff positions to
· Provided training in conflict resolution to more than more than 30 Iowa college students.
100 Russians and Ukrainians, 100 Bulgarians, ,50
Poles, 40 Africans, 30 Peace Corps volunteers,
and 4 Tibetans.
· Spomored or co-sponsored more than 200 interna-
tional guests, including a family from Russia, who
made presentations in colleges and communities
throughout Iowa. Among the guests were such
tables as Federico Mayor, Director General of
UNF-.,qCO; President Carazo of Costa Rica; Robert
Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the
United Nations and Chancellor of the University for
Peace in Costa Pica; Ambassador Samuel Lewis, Presi-
dent of the U. S. Institute of Peace; and I.O. Mensa-
Bonsu, Senior Political Officer for the Organization of
African Unity.
· Convened an international conference that brought
representatives of peace organizations from 20 na-
tions to Des Moines.
· Established a Partners in Development progrmn w~ch
has provided over 22 international students, studying
in Iowa, with small grants to implement projoc~ for
improving living conditions in their home countries.
· IrdtiatedthelowalnternationalFellowsProgramtoassist
some 250 int~'national student leaders learn about
Iowa businesses and culture outside their academic
setting.
· Facilitated educational and cultural exchanges be-
tween Iowa and Russia, and Iowa and Ukraine, in-
volving more than 100 adults and students.
Iowa Peace Institute · 917 Tenth Avenue · P. O. Box 480 · Grinnell, Iowa 50112 · 515 2364880 Fax 515 236-6905
Program For Dispute Prevention and Conflict Management
- A Service of the Iowa Peacelnstitute
Training and Intervention Services
I. Training in Dispute Prevention and Conflict Management:.
A. Workshops which generally last less than ~)n¢ day (many can be expanded and/or combined into
longer training seminars ).
1. Consensus Building
Z Effective Listening
3. Negotiation as a Collaborative Problem Solving Process
4. Communications Skills for Conflict Management
5. Positive Confrontation
6. An Introduction to Conflict and Conflict Management
7. Dealing with Difficult People
8. Dealing with Emotions in Conflict
9. Dispute Prevention and Conflict Management in Families
10. An Overview of Workplace Conflict Resolution
11. Gender Issues in Dispute Prevention and Conflict Management
12. Mediation as a Win-Win Process
13. Creative Thinking for Community Building
14. Introduction to Conflict Management Systems Design
15. Cooperative Negotiation in a Competitive World
16. Ethical Issues in Conflict Management
B. Training seminars which are generally a day or more in length:
1. Negotiation Skills for Dispute Prevention and Conflict Management
2. Introductory Mediator Training (35 hours: applicable to workplace, community and other settings)
3. Advanced Mediation Skills
4. Managerial Mediation
5. Designing Dispute Resolution Systems
6. Large Group Facilitation Skill~
7. Conflict Resolution and Workplace Violence Prevention
8. Managing Conflict with Customers or Clients
9. Group Problem Solving
10. Teaching Dispute P~vention avat Conflict Management Skills in the Workplace (Training of Trainers)
II. Intervention Services to Prevent and/or Resolve Conflict
1. Meeting facilitation
2. Orga~i?.ational conflict analysis consultation
3. Conflict management policy development consultation
4. Negotiation preparation consultation
5. Neutral fact finding
6. Mediation
7. Advisory arbitration
8. Binding arbitration
9. Conflict management systems design
10. Individual employee assistance with handling interpersonal conflict
For more information about training and intervention services call 515-236-4880
SONDRA B. KASKA, M.A., J.D.
Mediwor
January 14, 1998
Sandy Bauer
PCRB, c/o City Clerk's Office
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: Mediation
Dear Ms. Bauer:
As we discussed in our telephone conversation today, I am
interested in serving as a mediator for the PCRB. Per your
request, enclosed please find a copy of my current Curriculum
Vitae. The section specific to mediation is labeled ~Alternative
Dispute Resolution" and begins on page five (5).
My rate is $100.00 per hour. As I indicated during our
conversation, I do my best to be as flexible as possible in order
to schedule mediation sessions at a time that is convenient to
the disputants, including doing mediations in the evenings and on
weekends, if necessary.
Please give me a call if you need additional information or
have other questions. Thank you for considering me for this
position.
Sincerely,
Sondra B. Kaska
Enclosure
103 E. College Street, Suite 300 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319) 358-6690
CURRICULUM VITAE
SONDRA B. KASKA
103 E. College Street, Suite 300
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-4008
(319) 358-6660
EDUCATION
Legal:
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242: Juris Doctorate. May 1985.
Other:
UniversiTy of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242: Master of Arts in Special Education (EmoTional
Disabilities). July 1979.
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242: Bachelor of Arts in Special, Elementary, and Early
Childhood Education. December 1975.
JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals: November 28, 1986.
Federal District Court, Southern District of Iowa: December 10, 1986.
Federal District Court, Northern District of Iowa: March 5, 1986.
Iowa Supreme Court: January 24, 1986.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
Leqal:
Attorney an# I~ediator/n Pr~veto Pract/ce: October 1995 - present. Areas of practice include
disability rights (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, social
security disability), guardianships and conservatorships, special needs trusts and wills, civil rights,
and family law.
Staff Attorney end I/tigation Coordinator, /owe Protection and A~ocacy Se~zices, /nc. (P & A):
November 1988 - October 1995. Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness Law Project,
University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, Iowa 52242: November 1986 - July 1989, included
in position with Iowa Protection and Advocacy. P & A is a federally funded non-profit Iowa
corporation created to promote and protect the legal and human rights of persons with
developmental disabilities and persons with mental illness. Primary responsibility was legal
representation of clients in administrative and judicial forums (federal and state courts). Cases
included those brought pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans
with Disabilities Act, as well as other civil rights actions involving constitutional and statutory law
and legal issues affecting persons with disabilities. Additional responsibilities: consulting with other
P & A staff, coordinating the litigation of the agency, providing education and information to the
public, advising the P & A Board of Directors and Executive Director regarding legal matters which
affected the curporation, supervising other staff, a,'d working with student legal interns in
conjunction with the University of Iowa's Clinical Law Programs.
Comp//ance Advisor), Board (Plaintiffs' representative to two member panel), Anna Marie Weston, et
al. vs. Wyominq State Traininu School, et al., No. C90-0004 {D.C. Wyoming 1990): March 1991 -
1995. Weston was a federal class action lawsuit aimed at improving and downsizin9 Wyoming's
institution for persons with mental retardation while simultaneously expandin9 and improving the
state's community-based supports for its citizens with disabilities. This suit was settled through a
Consent Decree jointly developed by the parties. The CAB assisted the parties, facilitated the
implementation of the Decree and advised the court regardin9 progress under the Decree.
Associate Project Director, Future Directions of Services for Children with Spec/s/Heslth Csre
Needs, Nst/ons/I~1aterns/and Ch/id Heslth Resource Center, University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa
City, Iowa 52242: March 1986 - November 1986. Various administrative responsibilities;
collecting and reporting survey data; preparing drafts of Project reports relating to the services
needed by children with special health care needs, including family support and special education
services; and research and writing regarding related legal issues.
Pro Bono Services: May 1985-November 1986. Continued active involvement with the Clinical Law
Programs, University of Iowa College of Law, on various cases involving rights of persons with
disabilities, special education, and related issues.
Hesd Law Clerk, Sixth Judicial District of iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401: July 1985 - March
1986. Legal research and writing including memoranda and proposed rulings; administrative duties,
including coordination of case assignments among law clerks.
Legs/intern, Johnson County Attorney's Dff/ce, Iowa City, Iowa 52240: May 1984 - May 1985.
Misdemeanor trial docket management, including witness preparation, discovery, bench and jury trials,
negotiating plea agreements, conducting complainant initial interviews; legal research and writing,
including drafting complaints, memoranda, and motions.
Student Legs/intern, C/in/cs/Lsw Progra/ns, University of Iowa College of Law: August 1984 - May
1985. Involved in litigation; conducting depositions; drafting petitions, memoranda, and motions;
preparation for administrative hearings; and conducting hearings. The majority of case load involved
special education and issues affecting persons with disabilities.
2
Associate Editor, iowa Law Review, Volume 70: August 1984 - May 1985. Substantive editin9 of
student pieces; involvement in technical aspects of publication process.
Part-time legal reseerch, supervised by Philip JCears, J.D.: Summer 1983. Research and discovery
for suit involving contracts, arbitration, and conflict of law issues.
Other:
Teacher of Preschool Developmental Class, Iowa City Community Schools, Iowa City, Iowa 52240:
1978- 1981.
Teacher of Preschool Developmental Class, Washington Community Schools, Washington, Iowa
52353: 1976- 1978.
Graduate Assistant, Early Childhood Education Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242:
Spring and Summer 1975, Summers 1977 and 1978.
PUBLICATIOOS
"Legal Advocacy for Persons with Prader wigi Syndrome", Manaqement of Prader-Willi Syndrome,
Louise R. Greenswag, R.N., Ph.D., and Randell C. Alexander, M.D., Editors (Springer-Verlag, 1995).
"Institutional and Community Living for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities", A Guide to the
Leqal Rights of Iowans with Disabilities and Mental Illnesses, (Committee for Persons with
Disabilities, Young Lawyers Division of the Iowa State Bar Association, 1992).
"Extended Year Special Education Programming, Part I: A Legal Analysis" (Co-author with Carroll L.
Lucht), Critical Issues in the Lives of People with Severe Disabilities (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.,
1990).
"Legal Issues Related to the School's Role with Students at Risk" (co-author with Carroll L. Lucht),
Students at Risk (Leadership Institute in Administration of Special Education, May 1989).
"The Education for All Handicapped Children Act", National Maternal and Child Health Resource
Center (1986).
"Legal Issues of Confidentiality in a Centralized Case Management System", National Maternal and
Child Health Resource Center (1986).
(Assisted author Carroll L. Lucht), "Legal Requirements in Defining Target Populations and Eligibility
Requirements (for Crippled Children's Services Funded by the Federal Maternal and Child Health Block
Grant Program)", National and Maternal and Child Health Resource Center (1986).
"Iowa Unmarried Cohabitants Denied Recovery for Loss of Consortium", Iowa Law Review, Volume
89, Issue 3, March 1984.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
The ARC of Johnson County, Member, Board of Di~'ectors: July 1, 1996 - present.
Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Member: 1995 - present.
Co-Advisor, Society for Disability Law, University of Iowa College of Law: August 1992 - August
1993.
Legal Consultant, Protection &. Advocacy Systems, Inc, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Anna Marie Weston et
al. vs. Wyoming State Traininq School, et al., No. C90.0004 (D.C. Wyoming 199o): October 1990 -
March 1991.
Substitute Decision Making Task Force, Member: January 1990 - July 1991.
Moderate / Severe I Profound Disabilities grant project, University of Iowa, Special Education
Division: legal faculty for graduate level practicum students, working in conjunction with Sue Hamre-
Nietupski, Ph.D., and John A. Nietupski, Ph.D.: August 1989 - present.
Legal Consultant for Office of the Monitor, Homeward Bound, Inc., et al. _vs. Hissom Memorial
Center, et ~ No. 85-C-437-E (N.D. Oki. 1987) re: rluality of Life O. uestionnaires: May 1990.
Iowa Task Force on Autism, Member, Co-chairperson of Model Programs Sub-Committee: 1988 -
1989.
Sterilization Rights Committee (for persons with disabilities), Member: 1987 - 1989.
The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, Member: 1987 - present.
Iowa Protection and Advocacy Services Inc., Member, Board of Directors: September 1986 -
November 1986 (resigned to accept position as staff attorney).
Iowa City Crisis Center, Volunteer, Trainer, Suicide Line, and On-Call Person: 1977 - 1981.
Council for Exceptional Children, Member: 1979 - present.
Numerous presentations to various organizations, University classes, at workshops and conferences
on disability issues, special education law, guardianships and conservatorships, and related topics.
4
ALTERRATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Traininq:
"Screening for and Recognizing Domestic Violence Patterns in Parties in Family Law Cases: For
Mediators and Attorneys", Kristie J:ortmann Doser, Director of Education, Domestic Violence
Intervention Program, sponsored by Sixth Judicial District Family Mediation Program, December 5,
1997 (Screening for and mediating domestic violence issues: 3 1/2 hrs.).
"Mediation of Workplace Disputes", Robert D. 9enjamin, J.g., sponsored by Iowa Mediation Service,
July 25-20, 1697 (Mediation of workplace and family law issues: 18 hrs.).
"Divorce Mediation and Your Practice~, sponsored by Johnson County Bar Association and Sixth
Judicial District Family Mediation Program, ,July 11, 1997 (Issues related to divorce mediation: 3 ~/~
hrs.).
"Advanced Small Claims Mediation Training", C. Gregory Runtz, Ph.D., and Warren Reinicke, Iowa
Peace Institute, sponsored by Sixth Judicial District Small Claims Mediation Program, May 17, 1697
(Advanced small claims court mediation skills: 6 hrs.).
"Advanced Divorce Mediation Training", Zeno Zumeta, J.D., sponsored by Sixth Judicial District and
the Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, April 4-5, 1997 (Mediating modifications, dealing
with impasses, and mediation and domestic violence, AFM approved: 1:3 hrs.).
'Co-Mediation', Anne H. Tucker, sponsored by Sixth Judicial District Mediation Program, February 8,
1967 (Co-Mediation skills: 3 hrs.).
"Victim Offender Mediation", Bill Eckerly, sponsored by Linn County Victim Offender Mediation
Program, October 20, 1990 (Mediating victim offender cases: 8 hrs.).
"Getting People to the Table" and "The Ethics of Mediation-When Being an Attorney Conflicts with
Being a Mediator", Michael Thompson, sponsored by Iowa Civil Rights Commission, March 12, 196(~
(Encouraging parties to attempt mediation, ethical issues: 0 ',~ hrs.).
"Preparing Litigants for Oivorce Mediation", Zeno Zumeta, J.D., sponsored by Sixth Judicial District,
April 1:3, 169§ (Preparation of clients for successful mediation: 3 ~,~ hrs.}.
"Mediation of Family Law Matters: A Seminar for Iowa Lawyers", Harvey Harison, J.g., sponsored
by Iowa State Bar Association Statewide Mediation Program, April 4 & O, 1690 (Mediating family
law matters: 12 hrs.).
"Small Claims Mediation Skills Training", 6inna Booth, sponsored by Johnson County Small Claims
Court Program, March 2, 1996 (Advanced small claims court mediation skills training: ? hrs.).
"Small Claims Court Mediation Training", Ginna Booth, sponsored by Sixth Judicial District Court of
Iowa, January 22 & 29, 1996 (Mediating small claims court cases: 7 hrs.).
"Effective Intervention--High Conflict Divorce", Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D., sponsored by Children First,
December 7, 1995 (Mediating high conflict divorce issues, particularly involving children: 3 hrs.).
"Advanced Divorce Mediation Skills", Peter Salem and Ann Milne, November 17, 1995 (Advanced
divorce mediation skills, AFM approved: 6 hrs.).
"Divorce Mediation: 40 Hour Basic Workshop", Zona Zumeta, J.D., May 1-5, 1995 (Divorce
mediation skills, including domestic violence issues, AFM approved: 40 hrs.).
"Mediating Americans with Disabilities Act Complaints", Peter Maida, J.D., Sy Dubow, J.D., Marilyn
Golden, sponsored by U.S. Department of Justice, April 17, 1995 (Mediatin9 ADA claims: 6 Y4 hrs.).
"Seminar for Becomin9 a Professional Mediator", conducted by Alan Alhadeff, J.D., and Kimberly
McCandless, J.D., sponsored by Iowa State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution
Committee and the Polk County District Court Mediation Program, December 5 - 6, 1994 (General
mediation skills, caucus model: 15 112 hrs.).
"Small Claims Court Mediation Training", conductor; by Joseph Harrison, Director, Polk County
District Court Mediation Program, sponsored by Johnson County Small Claims Court Mediation
Project, November 4 - 5, 1994 (Modiatin9 in small claims court: 16 hrs.).
"Conflict Resolution: Conflict Managers Program", conducted by Lois Crane, Grant Wood Area
Education Agency School Psychologist, August 8 - 9, 1994 (Mediation in schools, children and adults:
16 hrs.).
"Mediation and Negotiations Training", conducted by Michael Thompson, Executive Director, Iowa
Mediation Service, sponsored by Iowa Department of Education, September 27 - 28, 1993 (Mediating
special education cases: 16 hrs.).
"Divorce Mediation", University of Iowa Colle9e of Law, Professor Serena Stier, Fall Semester 1984
(Basic divorce mediation skills: 3 semester hrs.).
Mediation Experience:
I mediate professionally as part of my private practice in the areas of family law, civil rights,
guardianships, and workplace disputes.
Mediator for Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Iowa City, Iowa, cases involving alleged
discrimination in the areas of disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, othnicity, and race: June
1995 - present.
Mediator for Iowa Peace Institute, Grinnell, Iowa, primarily family law matters: 1996 - present.
Volunteer Mediator for Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, Iowa, cases involving alleged
discrimination in the areas of disability, age, sex, creed, color, national origin, religion, and race:
1996 - present.
Volunteer Mediator for Johnson County Small Claims Court Mediation Project: December 1994 -
present.
Mediator for Iowa Mediation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, primarily family law cases: September
1994 - present.
Attorney for clients in mediations available in Iowa under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, pre- and post-filing of appeal: November 1986 - present.
Related Activities:
Sixth Judicial District Mediation Oversight Committee: September 1997 * present.
Iowa Attorney General's Task Force on Mediation: August 1996 - present.
Mediation Advisory Committee: November 1995 - June 1996.
Johnson County Small Claims Court Mediation Steering Committee: January 1994 - present.
Iowa Association for Dispute Resolution (IADR): September 1997 - present: Charter member,
Secretary from January 1995 - April 1996; President from April 1996 - April 1997 and April 1997 -
present.
"Friends of Mediation", a state-wide group of persons interested in mediation, began meeting in
June 1994. I served on the Ad-Hoc Steering Committee that drafted by-laws for a state-wide
organization. On September 24, 1994, the by-laws were officially passed and the organization,
the Iowa Association for Dispute Resolution (IADR) was formed.
Johnson County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee: July 1994- present.
Iowa City Ad Hoc Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee: January 1994 - present.
Academy of Family Mediators, Member: 1995 - present.
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Member: 1990 * present.
National Institute for Dispute Resolution, Member: 1995 - present.
7
Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution, Member: 1995 - present.
Miscellaneous talks and presentations on mediation at various workshops, for organizations,
University classes and conferences.
Assisted Zena Zumeta as coach for smell group practices during her "Divorce Mediation: 40 Hour
Basic Workshop": August 19-20, 1996.
REFERENCES
Robin I.. Cunconan-l. ahr, Esquire
LAHR & LAHR
4972 Medical Center Circle, Suite B
Allentown, PA 18100-~69Z
(610) 398-2440
Reta Noblett-Feld, Esquire
Clinical Law Professor
386 Boyd Law Building
University of Iowa College of Law
iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-9023
Heather L. Shank, Esquire
Human Rights Coordinator
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5022
6
APPLICATION TO PROVIDE MEDIATION SERVICES / ~ ,.
CITY OF I0 W.4 CITY
Name: ~-~DPr ~'~. L~-V'E-y
Address:
Telephone:
Occupation:
Eduction: a. Degme~CeA~tions
Experience: Attach information indicating mediation experience and giving a narrative synopsis of relevant
cases including the nature and outcome of each.
References: Please give the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three persons who can
be contacted, either for whom you have provided succe.~sflJI mediation services or who can attest to your
proven mediation skills and abilities. Indicate the general topic of the mediation(s) each reference person has
knowledge of.
Note: Your completed application will be kept on file with the City Attorney's Office, and will be considered
when the City is selecting an individual to provide mediation services. Having an application on file
does not guarantee an applicant that he or she will be selected to provide such services.
LINDA MADISON LEVEY, ATTORNEY-MEDIATOR
103 E. College Street, Suite 300 * [avaa Ci~, LA $2240 ' (319) 358-6690
OBJECTIVE
To provide mediation services in employment, contract, property, and civil rights
disputes.
EDUCATION
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA COLLEGE OF LAW
I.D., 1993
CITY UNI'V'ERSITY OF NEW YORK
Ph.D., Educational psychology~Human Dcaelopment, 1981
TL;~TS UNWERSrVY
M,4., Child Study, 1968
RL'FGERS UNIVERSITY, DOUGLASS COLLEGE
A.B., Psychology, 1962
FORMAL MEDIATION TRAINING
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Preparing Litigants for Divorce Mediation, April 13, 1996
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Divorce Mediation, March 7-8, 1996
IOWA DISTRICT COL'RT, SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTI~dGT
Small Claim~ Court Mediation, Navember 4-5, 1994
Advanced Mediation, March 2, 1996
IOWA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Professional Mediation Training for La~. ers, December 5-6, 1995, 15.5 CLE
INDUSTKL&L RELATIONS RESEARCH COUNCIL
Mediating Employee Grievances, November 8, 1995
CEN'I'ER FOR CREATIVE JUSTICE, AMES, IOWA
Victim-Offender ~V[ediation, October 25-27, 1995
MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
[ have mediattd more than three dozen small claims casts since Dtctmber 1994. Tht t.y~ats ~
dieput~s range frem landlord-ttnant, tv commercial contracts, tv i~ersonal inptrdt. I do not ktep
a record of outcornts; hane'~r, I knon that I ham a high raft qf stttltrnmL In addition, my
ratings by the ?arties are consistentl, v high on measures 4'satisfaction, fairness, neutrality, and
competence.
~4y aperience also includes attending mediation for a party I represented in an employment
discrimination caae. Thc mediator reus an atWrnqy who ~olunteered for the lo~a Civil Rights
Commission.
REFERENCES
Because this is a small communif~ and I suspect that man.~ ~ the people ~ho I tumid glue as
references to attest to my proven mediation skill~ and abilities are al~o applying to provide
mediation ser~ice~ for the Ci~, I think there are lik#~t conflint$ ~ int~est.
ANNIE TUCICl~R, 220 LAI:AYE'x t g STREET, IOWA CITY, 354-1250
Annie aoordinate$ the small claims mediation projevt and compiles records ~ the c~e~ mediated.
She mast l~ has compiled ar can compile rtcards for tach mediator mmda include auteomts and
ratings b~ the parties.
GINNA BOOTH, IOWA MEDIATION SERVICE, 3349 SOUTHGATE COURT S.W., CEDAR
RAPIDS, IA 52404, (319) 398-4042
Ginna is the Director iff the Cedar Rapids q~ce qf [MS. She ~as the trainer at two qf the
mediation trainings mentioned above, the advanced mediation training far small claims court, a~d
the lsictim-~ffender mediation training.
LOIS CRANE, DISPUTE RI'~SOLUTION SERVICES, 601 N.WHITE STREET, MT. PLEAZANT, IA
6264 I, (319) 385-26.59
Lois is a retired schod psychologist ~ho is an experienced mediator and trainer. We co-mediated
in the small claims court Frogram and she has attended three qf the above.mentioned trainings
that r, attended, two small claims and the victim-q~render training.
BRADLEY & RILEY, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS
F JAMES BRADLEY WILLIAM · McCARTAN
BYRON G RILEY F~RST CORPORATE PLACE MICHELE M BUSSE
MICHAEL K. DENNEY 100 FIRST STREET S.W JAY R ANDREWS
PATRICK M. COURTNEY P.O. BOX 2804 MAUREEN G. KENNEY
DONALD G THOMPSON CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA 52406-2804 VERNON P SQUIRES
KELLY R BALER PAUL [3 BURNS
GREGORY J SEYFER TELEPHONE: (319) 363-0101 LANCE R STAKER
DEAN A SPINA FAX: (319) 363-9824
JOSEPN E BCHMALL COUNSEL:
BRADLEY G HART MELISSA WEETS ANDERSON
WILLIAM J NEPPL BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
t -800-353-266§
January 14, 1998
Ms. Sandra Bauer, PCRB
City Clerk's Office
410 East Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Bauer:
I enjoyed visiting with you by telephone on January 9, 1998, regarding the Board's desire to
retain a mediator. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with the information that you
requested.
I received formal mediation training on two occasions. I received 16 hours of introductory and
advanced mediation training in 1993. The instructors were Alan Alhadeff and Kimberly
McCandless. I received an additional 7 hours of advanced mediation training in 1997 from Mr.
Alhadeff.
I have provided mediation services for a number of different attorneys, including Richard
Calkins, Nick Critelli, Helen Adams, Mark Aljets, Thomas Hanson, Jeffrey Lamson, Frank
Comito and William Smith, all of Des Moines; John Riccolo, Jim Powers, Gary Robinson, Al
Willett, Richard Garberson, Ben Blackstock, Kevin Collins, Ed Krug, Mike McDonough, Jeffrey
Taylor, and David Good of Cedar Rapids; Cynthia Scherrman, Gene Yagla, David Riley, David
Dutton, and Jim DeKoster of Waterloo; Mark Fransdal of Cedar Falls; Charles Brooke of
Davenport; Randy Nielsen of Mason City; and Stanley Parzen of Chicago.
The types of cases that I've mediated have been varied. I've mediated construction disputes;
complex employment disputes; a complex multi-party dispute involving an entity, its CEO and
other parties, that included issues such as breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty,
professional negligence by an accounting firm, defamation, etc.; personal injury and
automobile accident cases; real estate disputes; contract disputes; and divorce cases.
Over 80 percent of the mediations I've been involved in as a mediator have resulted in
settlement. Where the parties and their attorneys have willingly participated in mediation,
without any sense that they are compelled to, the success rate has been higher -- nearly
100 percent. I am always confident that a case can and will settle during a mediation, unless
I learn that a court has ordered mediation or one or more of the participants participates, not
BRADLEY & RILEY, P.C.
Ms. Sandra Bauer, PCRB
Page 2
January 14, 1998
because of a genuine interest in settlement, but because they believe that they cannot refuse
to participate.
I have been a trial lawyer for over 20 years. During the course of my practice, I've tried
criminal cases, as well as civil cases. During the past 10-12 years, almost all of my case have
been civil, rather than criminal. I've tried many complex cases involving trials lasting a number
of weeks. Two of the my jury verdicts included damage awards of $1,000,000 or more to
my clients.
I've also had extensive experience in mediation as an advocate. In fact, I became interested
in becoming a mediator because of my experience with mediation as an advocate on behalf
of clients. That experience convinced me that I could be successful as a mediator, and my
experience over the past several years has confirmed my belief.
As I discussed with you by telephone, I typically charge $160 per hour for mediation services.
I normally charge mediation clients for travel time. If the Board chooses to retain me, I will
agree to not charge for the time I spend traveling to and from Iowa City for mediations.
There are a number of individuals providing mediation services in Linn, Johnson, and
surrounding counties. Many of these people are experienced mediators, .any one of whom
would be excellent candidates for this position. I hope the Board has the opportunity to
interview several candidates. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with the Board to
discuss the mediation challenges the position would present, my qualifications, and to answer
any questions the members of the Board may have.
Sincerely yours,
dlc
MEDIATOR INFORMATION
A~ of July 25, 1996
Updated January 1997
June 1997
October 1997
Name: Tucker, Annie Phone # __(319) 354-5775
Address: 220 Lafayette St. FAX # __(319) 338-2140
Iowa City, IA 52240 Other Phone # _(319) 354-1250
Available to mediate in: X Johnson X Lirm X both
Hours and Days of Week Available: Weekdays:
Weekends: Yes
Ni~ts: Yes
Facilities ava/lable: # of conference rooms__2.__, handicapped access~le yes.
paddng flee on site , other Pax. copy machine .
Profession: Mediator
Current ~mpioyme~t: Director. 6th ludic/al District Family Mediation Pro,am & 1oimson
Coun~ Small Claims Mediation Pro,am.
Work Experience: (;lien£ Advocate. Dental O~ce: Dire~or. Buying Club Program & Sale~
B[oom/n~ Prairie Warehouse: Iow~ CiW Bus Di~ve~ Co-Director Brooldand Woods Ch/ld Care
Center. Owner. Corn Woma~ Futon Co.: Co*M~m~er. Spiral Foods Distributing Co.
EDUCATION
Deor~s~ Year ~ CoIl~e[[nstitution
Bachelor 1993 General Studies Emphasis in counselling &
eaHy childhood classes.
University of Iowa
MEDIATION TRAINING
Year # Hours ' ' ' Type of Mediation
1993 14 Lois Crane/Bill Eckerly in lC General yes
1994 14 Joe Harrison, Iowa City Small Claims yes
1995 40 C.D.R. Assoc., Boulder, CO Divorce & Custody Med. yes
1995 12 Iowa Mediation Service & Advanced Mediation yes
Iowa Peace Institute
(See next page)
TUCKER, Annie
1995 6 Center for Creative Jus~ce, Ames V~ctJm-Offender Mediatmn yes
1995 6 Ann Milne & Peter Salem Advanced divorce med. yes
University of Wisconsin
1996 3 Zena Zumeta, J.D. Preparing Litigants for no
Divorce Mediation
1996 6 Ann Milne & Pater Salem Domestic Abuse & Med. yes
1996 8 Ginna Booth/IMS Small Claims, advanced yes
1996 16 Ginna Booth/IMS Small Claims, basic yes
1996 3 Lois Crane Small Claims yes
1997 12 Lois Crane Small claims - basic yes
1997 6 Iowa Peace Institute Small Claims - advanced yes
1997 5 Iowa Civil Rights Commission Civil Rights no
1997 13 Zena Zumeta, J.D. Advanced Divorce Mediation yes
Modification cases, mediation
and domestic violence, dealing
with impasses.
1997 24 Academy of Family Mediators Divorce mediation, related no
Conference issues: courses & coaching
sessions.
1997 30 VOMA Victim-offender mediation yes
related issues.
MEDIATION TRAINING I PROVIDED
1997 24 Iowa Peace Institute General mediation yes
(I was co-trainer) Small Claims mediation
2 trainings
1997 3 Burlington School District Continuing education for
paraeducators on
conflict resolution.
LANGUAGES spoken other than English some Jaoanese
MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
Tvoe of Case Descriotion of Exoerience
Small Claims 30+ Johnson Cty. Small Claims Mediation Program - 3 yrs
Family 2 - stepfather-stepdaughter; mother-grandmother
Couple 1 - husband-wife
Agency/Neighborhood Neighbor concems about agency presence in neighborhood
City of Iowa City City & Citizen.
Divorce 25~cases. Temporary issues, modifications and general
divorce issues including custody/visitation, property, assets,
and alimony.
(Cont. next page)
TUCKER, Annie
Employer-Employee 2
Civil Rights 1
Victim-offender 7 + Juvenile offender victim-offender mediations: vandalism,
assault, theft, etc.
REFERENCES:
Ferman fflilster University of Iowa Physical Plant l"lanager 335-5132
Employer-employee mediation
Barbara r'lus§rove Director, Choices Juvenile Offender 319 642-5528
h'lediation Program, Iowa County
P1ECCA, P.O Box 366
~'larengo, IA 52_30 I
She and I have co-mediated victim-offender cases.
Diane Kyser Director, Community hlediation Center 319 326-5090
1202 W. Third St.
Davenport, IA 52802
EmPloyer - Former emp. loyee mediation
What is your policy regarding attorney presence and/or part~pation at mediation'
sessions? Do not permit __ Permit X ,
Explanation With both parties' agreement
What is your policy regarding other third party presence and/or participation at
mediation sessions? Do not permit , Permit X
Explanation With both oarties' agreement
FEES/CHARGES: $ 80.00 For initial meeting (1 hr. maximum) Flat Charge.
' '~ $ 80.00 Per Hour
-~' $ 50.00 Per Hour for drafting documents or for
non-mediation time work.