HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-1999 CommunicationDATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
September 1, 1999
Leah Cohen, Chair of PCRB
Marian K. Kart
August 26 memo m staff contacts
After reviewing your memo I wanted to address a couple of issues.
First, I believe the procedure you outlined was indeed followed. Sandy informed me of a
discussion on e-mail at a previous meeting. I noted Council discussion on similar matters
and offered some additional thoughts. Sandy and I both felt those issues had not been
discussed and agreed maybe it would be helpful for Catherine to follow-up on them.
Sandy then mentioned this to you at your meeting on Thursday afternoon, and followed
up with Catherine. Catherine then reported to the full Board at the next PCRB meeting
that she would like to revisit the issue. I believe Catherine felt she was to inform the
Board during staff information of a potential item for future discussion. It was my
understanding that Catherine would reseamh the issue and report back to the Board. The
Board then would make the decision on how to proceed at that time. I merely was sharing
background on past City practices that she might not be aware of.
It is City practice for staffin the various departments to consult with each other regarding
their respective areas of expertise as the need arises. If a legal issue is identified, legal
counsel is contacted. Early identification, discussion, and resolution of legal issues often
facilities the effective and efficient operation of a Board or Commission. It is this practice
that I passed along to Sandy when she was hired. An example occurred a few months
ago. In reviewing an agenda prior to distribution, I noticed that the language of the
executive session had not been changed to reflect pending discussion. I discussed this
with Sandy and we agreed it would be best ifI discussed this directly with Catherine. I
called Catherine at her home, she researched it immediately, called me back and Sandy
was able to change it and distribute it the same day. If we had waited the Board would
not have been able to discuss the matter as planned in executive session.
Finally, the requirement that staff not be able to confer among ourselves could be veD'
ackward in the event the Chair is unavailable or does not agree to a consult. Legal
Counsel would be unaware of an issue until it arises at a public meeting causing potential
delays and raising legal implications. I feel the Board could lose valuable time and staff
is under utilized by the Board if matters are not addressed as they arise. I am available to
discuss this matter at a PCRB meeting if the Board wishes.
Cc:
Sandy Bauer
Catherine Pugh
PCRB Board
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
S. Bauer, M. Karr, C. Pugh
L. Cohen, Chair of PCRB
August 26, 1999
At our recent Board meeting, the subject of e-mail and office contacts
was brought before the Board by staff. The Board's administrative assistant
had met with legal counsel to discuss this issue. I was not told of any
intention to bring this issue before the Board at this meeting and was
somewhat confused at the Board meeting, as were other Board members.
I would like to reiterate what I have said in the past. It is essential
that the Chair of the PCRB be kept apprised of any and all matters of
substance or procedures that concern the PCRB. The Chair can then, in an
organized fashion, notify the Board of the issues for discussion.
This clearly was not done in this case.
I will again direct staff that I want to be informed of all issues of
substance or procedure concerning the PCRB. Decisions to consult the
Board's legal counsel should be made in consultation with the Board Chair.