HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-04 Bd Comm minutes2b(1)
MINUTES APPROVED
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MAY 17, 2012 — 6:30 PM
DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bacon Curry, Andrew Chappell, Cheryll Clamon, Scott
Dragoo, Jarrod Gatlin, Holly Hart, Jim Jacobson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlie Drum, Rachel Zimmermann Smith
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Rackis
OTHERS PRESENT: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend to City Council approval of the
proposed amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice
Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy
(ACOP) Plan.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chappell at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 19.2012 MINUTES:
Jacobson moved to approve the minutes.
Gatlin seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF /COMMISSION COMMENT:
Hightshoe announced the grand opening of Trumpet Blossom Cafe, a CDBG assisted business.
The opening invite had coupons /reduced cost menu items that were available. The business
was distributing to the general public as a way to advertise the store. The Council also just
approved the CDBG application for Molly's Cupcakes. The original business is based out of
Chicago and this will be their first franchise. It is a full - service bakery, specializing in cupcakes.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 2 of 8
She also announced that staff just completed a staff recommendation for another CDBG
application from IBLITZ Boxing and Fitness, LLC. The fitness club, to be located in Sycamore
Mall, specializes in boxing and kickboxing techniques. She said the FY13 Annual Action Plan
was approved by City Council. She said that, like previous years, there were requests during
that public comment period for changes to the HCDC recommended allocation. She said this
year the requests came from Habitat for Humanity and the Crisis Center for increased funding;
however the Council approved as HCDC recommended. She reminded the Commission that
several of the member's terms will be expiring soon and provided the date by which they must
reapply if interested.
Chappell recounted for the Commission his experience as a representative of HCDC at the City
Council meeting of the previous night. He said Council was quite deferential regarding the
Commission's recommendations for funding allocations. He said the allocations were approved
with very little discussion other than to affirm that they were comfortable with the way the
recommendations were reached.
Chappell said there was talk at the last meeting of putting some discussion on the agenda about
possibly requiring Davis -Bacon for all projects instead of just when required by federal law. He
said he wants to talk to the legal department about it and see how it fits into the Commission's
purview and whether there are other things they should talk about requiring as far as wages and
benefits are concerned.
Jacobson asked Rackis to clarify discussion from last night's Council meeting about selling
public housing.
Rackis said the issue dates back to about six months ago when Connie Champion asked what
had happened to the Housing Authority's Home Ownership Program. He said the Housing
Authority gave the Council a report and an update and explained that due to the funding
mechanisms of HUD, the Housing Authority decided that they would retain no less than 80
public housing units. He said that Champion then asked if they could sell units in a particular
neighborhood and replace them elsewhere, which led to the discussion of whether or not they
could sell all of them. Rackis said the Housing Authority talked to HUD and then issued a memo
to Council about what could and could not be done. He said at that point the Mayor said he
wanted to sell 10 -12 public housing units and use those proceeds to fund the UniverCity
Program. He said that although this wasn't stated at the meeting, in the memo the Housing
Authority said that they could support the UniverCity Program without selling any public housing
units. He explained how that was possible. He said that City Council wants the Housing
Authority to show them the numbers, and no action was taken at the meeting last night.
Rackis said that one of the goals of CITY STEPS is permanent, affordable housing and that's
what public housing is. He said it doesn't cost the City anything, and with those units the City
has control, which means neighborhood stabilization.
Jacobson asked if the Mayor gave any rationale at the meeting for why he wanted to sell off 12-
20 units of public housing. Rackis said the only rationale he gave was to put money into the
UniverCity Program so the City didn't have to use General Funds.
Bacon Curry asked about the status of the Housing Fellowship's application for funding to build
units along Muscatine. Hightshoe said the Housing Fellowship was not approved for City
financial assistance for these units. The City selected a different proposal for the IEDA multi-
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 3 of 8
family rental housing program submitted by Skogman Realty for seven townhomes along First
Ave. in northeast Iowa City. IEDA has not awarded funding so the City's application is pending.
PUBLIC MEETING:
Review of the FYI CDBG /HOME and Aid to Agency Allocation Process
Hightshoe explained that each year the Commission reviews the just finished allocation
process. Some years they make comments; other years they form a subcommittee to do a
more comprehensive review.
Chappell asked members what they'd like to discuss or investigate further. He said he would
like to have some feedback from the applicants about the process through confidential
conversations with the Commission. He asked for discussion about how the Commission might
look into the best way to solicit the feedback.
Clamon said she liked the idea of a subcommittee, but that she had not been through this
process before.
Hart asked why the feedback would be confidential. Chappell said he would want them to have
the opportunity to talk without considering how they present themselves and what they say may
have an effect on how much funding they get the next year.
Hightshoe said they could use an online survey, but because IT charges back, it could get quite
expensive. She said they could send out a survey to last year's applicants and include a
postage paid envelope so the source would not be known. She said the Commission could
develop a survey tool and the questions they want to ask. Chappell suggested that they include
applicants from the last three fiscal years.
Bacon Curry asked if it would helpful to declare a focus when they ask for applications, for
instance, rental housing applications that are diverse in location.
Hightshoe said in the City's year -end report to HUD she has to summarize what the
accomplishments were compared to the stated goals in the Five Year Plan. She said they start
to solicit applications in December, so that would be a good time to notify applicants if they are
short in certain areas and have not met an identified need. HUD requires the City to explain why
the stated goals have not been met.
Chappell said he is interested in seeing what the numbers are regarding the Action Plan and
what they have actually done. He said he personally didn't start out the year with any pre-
conceived ideas about what to fund, but there did seem to be a trend toward rental housing. He
said he thought perhaps the applications revealed to the Commission what the focus should be.
Bacon Curry said that was her question, whether the applicants reveal the focus to the
Commission or the Commission tells the applicants what they would like to focus on.
Gatlin said he would like to stay away from pushing people to tailor their applications. He said
he thinks the Commission should fund what they think is appropriate and he wouldn't want to
give any guidance to anyone.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 4 of 8
Chappell said that adjustments to CITY STEPS would tell people what applications they should
be looking to produce.
Hightshoe explained that HUD is asking for more detailed justifications and recommends
spending more time when reviewing the Five Year Plan as to what the community needs are
within that time period.
Bacon Curry said the timing issues are becoming increasingly important so it would be helpful if
people could have a reminder from an already established plan that says what the Commission
is looking for.
Hightshoe said when they did the Five Year Plan they anticipated more money; however the
funds have been cut by about 30 %. The City won't be able to complete as many projects with
reduced funds and will have to adjust our goals when reviewing CITY STEPS this fall.
Chappell asked for members interested in serving on subcommittees for the above referenced
project as well as the survey. Clamon, Dragoo and Gatlin volunteered to serve on a
subcommittee looking into a survey and evaluations of the funding process, with Dragoo serving
as Chair. Hightshoe said it would be beneficial to make the formal recommendation to the full
commission in September. Hart and Jacobson volunteered to review CITY STEPS goals vs.
accomplishments.
Hightshoe explained that the Community Development division began administering Aid to
Agencies as of July 1St so there might be some staff recommendations regarding changes in the
Aid to Agencies process or notifying agencies that it might not be the same allocation process in
subsequent years.
Chappell said he got the impression that City Council wanted a closer review of the Aid to
Agency allocations. He said he never felt that he had sufficient information to draw distinctions
about the funding that Council seemed to want.
Review of the Iowa City Housing Authority Administrative Plan and Admissions &
Continued Occupancy Plan
Rackis said that HUD requires the Housing Authority to have the Housing Choice Voucher
Program, which requires that you have an administrative plan that states how you are going to
operate the program. He said in some of the selection and termination criteria, HUD has things
that you must do and things that you may do. As there is room for discretion, it must be
identified in the plan.
He said what they want to do is to add burglary in the 2nd degree or higher as a criminal activity
for which they can deny an application. He said their focus right now is primarily violent criminal
activity, drug - related activity, and anything that leads to fraud and forgery.
Rackis said that disorderly house was carrying a three year period of ineligibility, which may be
excessive, so they want to change that to a one -year period of ineligibility. He said if the activity
constitutes violent criminal behavior, there will be a three -year period of ineligibility, but if the
activity does not constitute violent criminal activity, the period of ineligibility will be one year.
Rackis said that prior to 2010 the only way the Housing Authority could deny an application was
if someone owed another housing authority money. He said in the proposed changes they are
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 5 of 8
covering every type of federally assisted housing that's mentioned in the 1937 act as amended
and everything that's in the definitions in 24.CFR 5.100. He explained that they are including all
projects in CITY STEPS and city financing so that if a person owes money based on any type of
federal, state or city loan or obligation, then the Housing Authority can deny them assistance.
Chappell asked if there was a reason they didn't have the same hold true if they owed a private
landlord money.
Rackis cited an instance of a landlord in town who would charge whichever family that was in
residence the complete replacement charge when it was time for the carpet replacement cycle.
He said those people don't necessarily go through the small claims process and end up owing a
large amount of money. He explained that federally assisted housing has oversight. He
explained that some of the impetus for this change was that the Housing Authority has a
residency preference and Pheasant Ridge doesn't. He said that Pheasant Ridge will not rescind
a lease. He said that they also felt it was coming out of the same pot of money and they didn't
feel they should be assisting someone while they owe another agency that same money.
Bacon Curry asked about someone like The Housing Fellowship who receives federal funds but
is a private landlord as well. Rackis said they would be included as federal funds assisted that
unit under an affordable housing program.
Bacon Curry asked about home ownership and if this proposal applies to foreclosures. She said
she wants to know if the language is clear enough that the UniverCity Program would be
excluded.
Rackis said it applies more to the rental side. He said the Housing Authority has time before its
public hearing to have further discussion about private landlords.
Hightshoe, in response to Chappell's query, said that the UniverCity Program would be
considered an affordable housing program as there are state and /or city funds involved.
Rackis explained to the Commission how the hearing process works if the Housing Authority
denies an application. Rackis said they want to change the language regarding preferences to
restrict it to federally declared disasters in the State of Iowa. He gave one example of why staff
has to spend excessive time on cases where someone claims they are displaced by
government action or by a disaster and the facts don't back them up. He said this change will
make it easier to verify information.
Rackis said he is not pleased with the quality of referrals they are getting for the Family
Unification Program because they don't meet the intent of the program. He gave several
examples of such cases. He said he's had several meetings with DHS in the past years and
they still are getting inappropriate referrals. He said for these reasons they want to remove this
program from the Plan.
Bacon Curry expressed her frustration that the goal is always family unification whether the
caseworker thinks the family will ever be reunified and every case where the children are
removed is classified eligible.
Rackis agreed and said there are cases where they have been assisting a family with a three -
bedroom voucher for two or three years and the children have not been released yet.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 6 of 8
Chappell asked for a motion.
Dragoo moved to recommend to City County approval of the proposed amendments to
the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan
and Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) Plan.
Bacon Curry seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Rackis asked if anyone had questions about the Housing Authority's Annual Report. Dragoo
asked about the numbers and timeframes of the terminations listed in the report.
Rackis explained that those figures are for the last year only. He explained the differences
between the numbers of those in good- standing and those terminated for cause.
Chappell, the Commission and staff discussed the summer meeting schedule. The Commission
agreed to meet before the Community Development Celebration on June 20. Staff will notify the
Commission if there are agenda items that necessitate a July meeting. It was agreed not to
have a meeting in August.
Monitoring Reports
• The Housing Fellowship — Chappell said the operating grant was used to support the
salary of the finance manager.
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters — Chappell said this organization uses the funds to support
Iowa's efforts of matching youth with adult mentors in long -term friendships with positive
outcomes. In the past year, offerings of group learning activities have increased and
community service projects for children and their mentors. The funding from Iowa City is
directly responsible for matching over 60 youth in the mentoring program.
• Habitat for Humanity — Chappell said that $210,000 of the allocation was spent on the
purchase of a property in December, 2011. Bids are out for digging and the water and
sewer, approximately $7,000, and two overhead doors, approximately $3,000. The
remainder will be on adding restrooms and a new entrance. The facility is to be rented in
August for teaching, with Kirkwood using it five days per week for area high schools and
Habitat using it on weekends and in the evenings to teach youth. The rest of the
allocation will go toward purchasing five lots for $28,500 each in the Saddlebrook 2
addition in the next 30 -45 days. An additional lot was purchased at 316 Fourth Avenue
for $25,000 in December 2011, and the house and outbuildings are being torn down.
• United Action for Youth — Dragoo said they spent most of the year looking for properties.
They found an eligible property on 1221 —1231 Bloomington St., and the purchase offer
has been accepted subject to a number of contingencies. They expect the property to
close in early September.
• The Crisis Center — Dragoo made a site visit there. The work on the floors in the Food
Bank and the roof for the whole center has been completed. They are trying to hire a
small, local contractor to do the work on the parking lot. That work was delayed because
of the purchase of the property next door.
• Mayor's Youth Empowerment — Dragoo got a tour of that facility. He said it's really nice;
however it's not completed yet.
• Old Brick — Dragoo said that they will have the work done next week. They will spend
around $15,300 on it.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2012
PAGE 7 of 8
• ARC — Dragoo had a tour of that facility. The bathroom and kitchen are done nicely.
They are almost done with the sprinkler system.
ADJOURNMENT:
Clamon moved to adjourn.
Jacobson seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
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Minutes
Human Rights Commission
July 17, 2012 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present:
Members Excused:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Page 1 of 18
2b(2)
wmm ■■
FINAL
Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Connie Goeb, Kim
Hanrahan, Shams Ghoneim, Jessie Harper.
Diane Finnerty, Howard Cowen.
Stefanie Bowers
Journalism Students (University of Iowa) including Tom Close.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission
meeting of July 17, 2012.
Recommendations to Council: None.
Call to Order:
Chair Olmstead called the meeting to order at 18:00. Jesse Harper is introduced and welcomed
as new Commissioner.
Consideration of the Minutes of the June 19, 2012 Meeting:
Hanrahan moved to approve minutes, seconded by Goeb.
Motion passed. 5 -0. ( Ghoneim not present)
Public Comments of Items Not on the Agenda:
Close- Asked if Commissioners and staff could stick around after the meeting for brief
interviews.
SG: I wonder if we'd be interested to know the status of The University of Iowa Center for
Human Rights?
SB: Actually that is in the reports of Commissioners.
New Business:
a. 2012 One Community /One Book
SB: There is a handout in the packet. There is a letter from The University of Iowa Center for
Human Rights, and the two chairs of the One Community /One Book, Joan and Pat. They
have chosen a book The Late Homecomer, and it looks like they will be arranging
discussion forums throughout the community from September through November of this
year. It's a book that talks about migration and immigration I believe. It looks like they
Page 2 of 18
will have the author Ms. Yang, reading and discussing her book in late September, and
they are asking of the Commission for financial support for this all volunteer community
project, which continues to be dependent upon the generosity of Johnson County
businesses, organizations and groups. Just to give you some history this is something in
the past that the Commission has always contributed to if you're wondering what the
history is. In fact when the committee used to be a little different a few years past there
were actually myself and a few others who sat on the committee that selected the book,
but now to streamline things I think just the two chairs select the book instead of having a
whole committee do that. There has been interaction and participation from the
Commission on this.
SG: Can we write for future references, suggestions?
SB: Yes.
KH: Do you know how much we gave in the past?
SB: It looks like the most that has been given is $350 in the past.
HO: Any other discussion?
KH: Well given that we've just started out fiscal year I guess I'm still unclear what our budget
is.
SB: For co- sponsorships generally it's between $1,000 to $1,100 each year which is allotted.
HO: Any other discussion?
SG: I think we should continue unless there is a reason not to.
OT: I'd like to know in terms of budgetary needs. Any idea in terms of what their agenda is
and what their total budget is if they would need to?
SB: That I don't know, but I know they do a lot of advertising, so I think a lot of the
contribution pays for publicity in the form of posters, bookmarks, flyers, ads on radio and
websites and in newspapers, and to support the community forums. I don't have like an
exact figure for how much that would cost them, but those are what the contributions
would assist them on.
CG: I would support supporting them at the same level we have in the past at $350.
Motion: Goeb moved to contribute $350.00 to One Community /One Book, seconded by
Ghoneim. Motion passed 6 -0.
Page 3of18
Old Business:
a. Iowa Compact
HO: If you recall last month we agreed to join the Compact, and with the stipulation that I
write a memo, which was actually a letter to the mayor and city council letting them
know we're doing that and asking them to consider it themselves. We're passing the
letter around now. '
SB: I'm going to interrupt Harry. Just for the visitors if you have web access if you go to the
City of Iowa City website and then go to the city council page, then to boards and
commissions. There you will see minutes /agendas for the boards and commissions, so if
you wanted to look at the packet that they're referring to that's available on line.
KH: Will you be including a copy of this declaration with this letter so they can reference an
explanation to all five of those?
HO: We can do that, it's not a problem. Any other discussion? Do I hear a motion to approve
the letter?
SB: I might just add that you might want to put Dear Mayor Hayek and City Council
members because if you send to one its sent to all.
HO: Okay.
KH: Should we also put Harry Olmstead Chairperson and Iowa City Human Rights
Commission?
SB: Sure.
HO: I will make those changes. Do we have a motion to approve the letter?
SG: I'll make a motion to approve the letter as written adding the additions.
Motion: Ghoneim moved to include a copy of the compact, seconded by Townsend.
Motion passed 6 -0.
b. Adult Ally Award
SB: That was asked to be put on the agenda, and I think it had to do with getting the word out
sooner to the schools and to other organizations. I think at the last meeting there was a
discussion and it's probably in the minutes, about maybe doing outreach to the schools. l
believe it was mentioned with maybe the school counselors.
SG: And hopefully maybe we can put it in the D.I. or Iowa City Press Citizen.
Page 4 of 18
SB: We certainly can, but I would probably wait until closer in time.
CG: What was this just a letter to the school counselors and schools and stuff telling them
about this, and that it's in May, but we weren't circulating anything about it?
SB: Yes.
KH: When do we start advertising in the school newspapers?
SB: This year was the first year because in the past it's always been really the youth that are
being recognized, so we're soliciting the adults. This was the first year that we've ever
done outreach in the school newspapers. I would say it was done in March or April.
Both of the high schools responded to the request, one however never followed up. So it
was actually only published in the West High paper. I think to answer the question about
the Daily Iowan and The Press Citizen; I think there were discussions earlier this year
that since this was targeted towards youth, that we would reserve the youth awards for
The Press Citizen and the Daily Iowa for advertising. But for the adult Ally Award that
would be more in venues that youth would be looking at and we weren't sure if the Daily
Iowan and The Press Citizen would be something that they would be looking at
necessarily. I think that's why it wasn't advertised in the D.I. and The Press Citizen this
year.
KH: So would you draft a letter to the counselors and there may be appropriate class room
teachers that could also be forwarded to.
SB: Yes. Usually I think how the school district prefers is I send it to the administration
office and they distribute it. It will be more of a To Whom It May Concern or something
and not specific to certain people. If you guys personally know anyone who you think
would be an asset to know about this award I would encourage you to let them know
about it. You can certainly once the letter is approved ask for the word document I can
get it to you to personalize it.
SG: And also faith communities would be another potential assistance.
OT: Have we sent any information concerning this award to the community centers?
SB: It was sent via postcard and through email to the people that I know who work at the
centers. There was a postcard that was generically sent to the community centers
advertising it.
OT: I was just thinking that there may be situations where individuals might want to do
something like this, but doesn't have the support they need to fill it out.
HO: Remember this is the Youth Ally Award and recognizing a leader in the community, and
the youth have to nominate a leader themselves. Any further discussion?
Page 5of18
e. Keynote Speaker Breakfast
SB: I included bios for the names that I received and the bios are as good as any Google
search that I could do of the person. When selecting a speaker things to consider are
whether or not they're a good public speaker obviously. Also their ability to engage the
folks who buy tickets to the breakfast, and also encourage those people in the community
to buy tickets to the breakfast. So to a certain extent you are looking for someone who is
well spoken and also someone who will generate tickets sales.
KH: Who have we had in the past?
SB: Last year was Reverend Dial. One year it was Kevin Burt the musician. He actually
being a musician, he sang the keynote.
HO: We've had the diversity office from the university.
SB: Yes Dr. Dodge from The University of Iowa, and also the provost Wallace Loh spoke.
The owner of Thai Flavors, which I know is not the same owner, but the original owner
spoke. The Executive Director of Diversity Focus, Alfred Ramirez has spoken, but he is
no longer the Executive Director. It's been a mix of community and university talent that
has spoken.
HO: Do we have to make a decision this evening?
SB: The concern is that the next meeting is the 21s' of August, so you certainly could vote at
that time, but at that time you would probably have to have a runner up and a third runner
up because you're just not guaranteed that that person is going to be available because
advertising would probably start that first week of September. It's doable if you prefer to
wait.
HO: I like the speaker of Zack Wahls. I had the opportunity to hear Zack twice in the
community this year and one this past weekend at the Book Festival. He packed the
senate chamber to an overflowing crowd. He's an exciting speaker. He spoke in front of
the senate assembly on same sex marriages, and he's been traveling all over the United
States, all over the world actually speaking on behalf of same sex marriages. He comes
from a family that is of same sex marriage, and he's really proud of being the son of two
lesbian women. He's a former eagle scout and he has written a book that's out on My
Two Moms, an excellent read.
KH: There have been occasions where his mothers have joined him on his presentations as
well, and I think that's really great.
SG: So are you suggesting or making the motion Harry?
HO: I can't make the motion.
Page 6of18
SB: You can, you have full rights just like any other member.
HO: Oh okay good. I'd like to move that we ask Zack Wahls to be our speaker this year.
CG: I'll second it.
HO: Any further discussion?
SG: About the subject matter or Mr. Wahls?
HO: Mr. Wahls and the motion.
SG: I was just going to mention something Mr. Wahls, but as far as what are we
wanting...
HO: We're going to want a second backup person as well tonight too so.
SB: Or you can maybe wait till August if I can make contact, if the motion passes.
SG: I was just going to ask a question. When is the breakfast?
SB: It will either be the last Thursday in October or November 8t`.
SG: The reason I'm asking this, this is an election year, and if you're interested to know
anything about counting your votes maybe you could consider Doug Jones. He just
wrote a book about voting and voting rights. Since it's gonna be, if it's in October that
maybe something of interest to the community, maybe not. I'm just throwing it out there
because of the relevance of the issue itself. I know Zack was also in the ACLU Iowa
with his two parents, so I'm familiar with the cause, but I just wondered.
HO: It said he returned to school in the spring from what he indicated, and back to UI to finish
his degree environmental sciences.
SG: So I guess my thought is this. If you all agree or food for thought. This is and it
goes beyond the presidential vote and elections, but the subject is important for obvious
reasons. So maybe that would be the year to have somebody to that issue, and
having maybe that for next year since he's going back.
CG: My thought was only and I just quickly read this so, is that and I'm not sure what
relevance it has to Human Rights exactly.
SG: Actually to vote I think is an issue.
CG: I mean being able to vote, but I'm not sure again okay.
Page 7of18
SG: We're talking about the elderly; we're talking about people that may have difficulty
reaching. We're talking about immigration also because of ID issues. The subject matter
it doesn't have to talk about his book, but he certainly researched it long enough. The
challenges that are facing, presenting groups including minorities to actually vote.
OT: You indicated that we were not under the hammer time wise, that we can revisit this at
our next meeting.
SB: No its possible. I mean it would be cutting it close, but it's possible.
OT: I would suggest that we make the decision at our next meeting.
SB: There is a motion out.
KH: Is that because you feel like you need further time to think about other candidates that be
thrown in the pool or?
OT: Yes, and we've got candidates here, but they all basically bring something to the table. I
would just like more time to think about it.
SB: I would just add that if anybody wants to add somebody to make sure you get me those
names so that I can try to find as much information on them and include that in the packet
for August.
HO: I said I can withdraw my motion, I didn't say I would yet, but I will. Can you withdraw
your second Connie?
CG: Oh sure if that's what we want to do. Again I think I was the one that mentioned back to
begin with so I'm kind of favoring him. So I, but I just think that his, obviously his
notoriety is far reaching. He's been on national talk shows and he is a big draw. A lot of
people probably that have been by to see him and may have already seen him because he
has made himself available. I still think you know if we wait on him, I mean this is kind
of prime time for him. I mean in terms of the draw because of the book.
HO: He may not even be available because I know that he's working on pre -state elections
right now, where same sex marriage is coming up on the ballot.
CG: I guess to me he's a local guy and a good speaker and a good draw so, and obviously a
very significant human rights issue. To me he fits all the criteria and then some.
OT: Keep in mind the democratic process you know, that's my feeling, but if the majority
wants to proceed we can do that. If the majority wants to vote today I mean there are
some time issues and things like that, so the democratic process should prevail. If you
guys, the majority wants to proceed with it then you can.
Page 8of18
KH: My only concern about holding off is that we could find ourselves in a real quandary if
all of a sudden we don't have anybody that's available. I don't know if they ever do
anything if this is not appropriate, but you know how they do in weddings save the date.
Is there anyway ... Zach could you potentially be available. I see both sides of it. I am
kind of leaning towards wanting to vote tonight.
HO: Okay I put my motion back on the table for Zack Wahls as our breakfast speaker. Do I
hear a second?
CG: Yes I'll second it again.
HO: Any further discussion?
Motion: Olmstead moved to ask Zack Wahls to be the keynote, seconded by Goeb.
Motion passed with 4 Commissioners supporting (Olmstead, Harper, Hanrahan, Goeb)
and 2 abstaining (Townsend, Ghoneim).
SB: I can send an email and that way I can alert the Commission via email as to whether or
not it's even going to be possible for him to be the speaker. If that's not possible then
just kind of go where we left off today with speakers.
CG: It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep thinking about other speakers.
d. Ad Hoe Committee on Diversity
SB: This was asked to be placed on the agenda so I really don't have, I mean I put the
information in the packet concerning the Ad Hoc Committee, and it looks like its 1 d in
the packet.
HO: I have a concern that the City Council didn't recognize the Human Rights Commission in
having a seat on this Diversity Committee.
SB: I do know in the memo or in the resolution it allows for current members of city boards
and commissions to apply. So somebody could be a Human Rights Commissioner and
serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. So even though there's not like a specific placement or
a seat saved so to speak, certainly somebody can overlap if they choose to. They just
have to fill out the application, and the application is due next Wednesday July 25th in the
City Clerk's office by 5 p.m. The City Council actually makes the appointments. It's
similar to the Commission, so it would be up to them who would actually be appointed.
CG: This is an Ad Hoc Committee?
SB: Correct.
Page 9of18
CG: They aren't establishing as a commission. You said that current people could apply and
it would not interfere with the prohibition against serving on two committees or two
commissions?
SB: That's correct. It says members of other city boards and commissions may serve on the
Diversity Committee. The only requirement is that members must be residents of Iowa
City.
SG: I think it's important that at least one of us here at least apply because of the importance
of the issue.
HO: I wonder if Diane Finnerty has an interest.
OT: I submitted an application.
KH: Just to clarify the information isn't here in this memorandum, but the focus of this group
does not conflict with the subcommittee on immigration that we have here.
OT: My understanding is this committee is going to focus on city agencies, specifically
transportation and law enforcement.
SB: It does say that in the memorandum. It says that the resolution establishing an ad hoc
committee to study city operations as they relate to minority populations with the view
toward promoting just and harmonious interactions between local government and
minority segments of the community. Then further down it does say, maybe that's in the
resolution. The charge of the Diversity Committee is to study the operations of the city
transit system, and also to study the operations of city law enforcement including, but not
limited to the Police Citizen's Review Board.
CG: So is this the response to some of our inquiries about the Police Review Board to some
extent?
SB: I think that's fair to say.
SG: And the CRC and the for religious communities subcommittee on race so.
HO: I know the Immigration Voices Project, their Law Enforcement Committee had a meeting
with the mayor a week ago Friday I think it was, and he was very receptive to them and
setting up a meeting with the police chief. I informed them of the Ad Hoc Committee
and I know they are meeting tonight so I think they are going to bring that up as to
whether their items on their agenda.
OT: I think one of the ways that Human Rights Commission can work with the new
committee that any existing information that you feel is pertinent, then you can share that.
Page 10 of 18
SB: And as Commission members you're certainly entitled to send letters of support or both
applications to the City Council. You can call; you can email, but when you email one
you email all so just remember that. But certainly you can say why you think it's
important that he be appointed to the ad hoc.
SG: To the mayor and the City Council, or just the mayor?
SB: I can send the link to the Commission tomorrow morning that tells you how to contact the
City Council, but the way the system is set up if you click on one City Council member it
just goes to all. It doesn't differentiate if you just pick Susan Mims, it's gonna send it to
all seven council members.
HO: Would it be appropriate to have a letter coming right from the Commission in support of
Orville's application?
SB: You can do it as one body or you can do it as individuals.
JH: I motion that the Commission send a letter on behalf of Orville to represent the
Commission.
CG: I think it makes sense.
SG: Unless someone isn't, I mean someone from the Commission doesn't want to be...
OT: I think in all fairness you know since everybody is not here, in all fairness I don't think
we should speak for people that aren't here. So you might want to just do it as
individuals.
SG: Yeah I was thinking actually of impact as well. I think if each one of us who is
supporting the application and encouraging the City Council to consider it and grant it,
that we write an individual letter would have more impact than just a group of one letter.
I've always felt that way on many issues.
HO: We do have a motion; do you want to withdraw your motion?
JH: Yes I would.
e. Immigration Subcommittee
KH: I don't have very much to report for now. The one struggle that we've been having is
finding time where all members can meet. The co -chair Gloria has taken on a new full -
time job that keeps her busy in the evenings, so her only day free is Wednesday and
unfortunately Wednesday evenings is the time when a lot of churches have activities and
events. Now I've just made a call out to see if we could do Wednesday at two or three
Page 11 of 18
hoping that I can find the time and most everyone can come. We've actually not met
since the last time.
HO: Would you let Stefanie know when you meet again so she can send it out to everybody?
KH: Yes.
SG: Have you talked with Charlie (Eastham) or?
KH: He came to the last meeting.
SG: He didn't have anything to add?
KH: Well he came to the last meeting that we had to cancel, and I just happened to go out to
sit in the parking lot I couldn't contact everyone, and he came and I was able to tell him
that we would reschedule. He is on the list of someone to let know when our next
meeting is.
SG: I guess I'm not expressing myself correctly. What I'm saying is the CRC has its own
immigration group, and I wonder if he or them have something to add.
KH: Well I'm hoping and I think that was the intent for him to come to the meeting. If we can
get the members to come together then we are inviting many other people who are
involved in the immigration movement, from The Voices Project and.
SG: Carla.
KH: Maybe you've not seen, but yes Robin Clark- Bennett was going to be coming because
what we know is that there is a lot of passion and a lot of energy for this movement. We
want to try and coordinate some of what we're doing. So now Stefanie is available the
first week in August to tour through the city center to look at signage, and so that's what
we'll talk about at the next meeting, as well as get back the surveys that we have put out
in hopes that we get back more than the 25 that was returned to us last year.
HO: Any further discussion?
E World Human Rights Day Proclamation
HO: Stefanie you were going to contact the UN Association.
SB: It didn't seem like they had any plans to present a proclamation, but then they thought
that that is a great idea. So I included a copy of one that they had done in the past, and
it's not the newest one. It's from 1997, but gives you a feel for what they would probably
present to see kind of which way you were going on the proclamation. One thing I did
note is that this proclamation is very long. I'm not sure that I've ever seen a
Page 12 of 18
proclamation this long be read. I'm not saying it wouldn't, but that maybe something to
keep in mind, I mean it is long.
HO: Right, it's based on the Human Rights Declaration of the UN Declaration of Human
Rights. I brought this forth and I kind of feel that I'd rather withdraw it at this point
being that the UN Association is going to do something. I would just like to remove it
from the table at this point if everybody would agree to that.
SG: I'm confused. What are we supposed to be removing from the table?
HO: The proclamation that I brought forth.
SB: It would be the first one, the one that is entitled proclamation.
SG: The one we put together you mean?
HO: Right.
SG: Why Harry?
HO: Well because the UN Association is going to do something and they are probably in a
better position, and they've done it in the past. We don't want to have two proclamations
for the same thing going to the City Council.
SG: Well I guess I have a different opinion, but that's just me. First of all I don't know
maybe they won't. I mean we're two independent bodies and what's wrong with us
having the proclamation from the Human Rights Commission. After all this is in our
own backyard so to speak and they can do it. Isn't twice having more impact if the
language also could be different, which ours is bit more but we can summarize it.
don't know why as a Human Rights Commission go ahead and do it too the City
Council.
HO: How do the rest of you all feel?
KH: Can we do it in conjunction?
SB: I think that's possible. I think there would obviously have to be agreement on the content
of the proclamation if that's the route you wanted to go.
OT: I think I may have mentioned this last time it was brought up, but in terms of red flags,
the length of this is like a red flag for me. International covers everything you know. I'm
more in line with us putting our focus on what's happening locally, dealing with specific
things that, number one we feel need to be addressed, and number two, we have a certain
amount of control over trying to accomplish the outcome. I understand and it's
something that needs to be done, but I'm just having problems understanding you know
why aren't we dealing with it locally.
Page 13 of 18
SG: Maybe because there are some violations of human rights locally.
OT: Why are we dealing with this as a Commission, and don't get me wrong. I'm not saying
it's a bad thing to do. I'm just saying that we've got our local proclamations and things
we're doing, and now we come up with this. What's the value of this?
HO: Any other discussion?
CG: I guess I'm a bit neutral on it. I don't think it's, I mean there's nothing you can that I
disagree with in the proclamation, but it is long. I'm kind of a local person as well in
terms of some of these broad statements are ones that are you know, they sound good but
what do they accomplish in terms of what our role is as a Human Rights Commission. I
mean proclamations in general probably I would put into that category to some extent,
not picking on this proclamation in particular. So it really is you know I think if
somebody else is going to cover, I mean ideally yeah we would like to endorse it or
something when they do it. To me that would be the best way to do it, but I could live
with either outcome.
SG: If we can shorten it. I mean we're obviously if you go to the fourth paragraph from the
bottom it's all about those living in Iowa City from the faith and .... It does start talking
about rights of children, different races. It alludes to immigrants, documented and others;
no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. I mean it can definitely be cut
down. If you like I can work on that and think about it.
KH: I think I'm with Connie. I'm fairly neutral, however if you were to bring back a
condensed shortened version of this proclamation to put forth to us I would be really
willing to consider that and look at it next time.
HO: Why don't we do that and then we'll table it another month and work on that.
CG: So December 10t' is the actual date of when these declarations are made or is it?
SB: That's the recognition date. The City Council doesn't have their meeting scheduled that
far planned out so I can't tell you when they would be meeting in December.
HO: Any other further discussion?
g. Police Citizen's Review Board
SB: I kind of think Diane might have been the one to request this on the agenda. So I don't
know if anybody else has anything under this topic, but I think it was Diane who
requested it.
SG: I think the reason if I remember correctly it was brought in because we wanted to know
what has the City Council or the mayor has done about the subject matter. We've already
Page 14 of 18
referred to them to look at the concerns that were shared. Have they reported anything
back to us?
SB: I think they are withholding until the ad hoc committee looks at the PCRB because that
would be part of the ad hoc committee.
HO: At the time of our last meeting the ad hoc committee had not been approved by the City
Council. Any other discussion on the Police Citizen Review Board? Okay updates and
reports on Commissioners.
6. Updates/Reports:
a. Reports of Commissioners
Hanrahan: No report
Harper: No report
Goeb: No report
Ghoneim: No report
Townsend: Our subcommittee as you know, we were going to put the program together, and
Royceann Porter and another group has some things going on so we're kind of looking at
possibly partnering with them and coming up with something, but we haven't got all the players
at the table yet so. Other than that we've kinda got a change in our planning and nothing has
happened yet.
Olmstead: I just wanted to remind everybody I think Stefanie has forwarded information on the
webinar that will occur this week. I believe in two weeks after that racial justice and racial
assessment. I know the first Thursday the 19th at noon till one or two at Grace Baptist Church on
Clinton Street. I encourage people to try and make that if you can. That's all I had
SB: I think you had a question about the University Human Rights?
SG: Sort of through the grapevine it appears that The University of Iowa is sort of looking
into changing the status of members of the council including the Center of Human
Rights. I was wondering if you had any information Harry since you sit on the board on
that because it's still unclear whether they are going to have the center under a University
department or what, but it may not stay as it has been since its inception.
HO: At out last meeting it was discussed about the funding sources and the funding sources
right now and Ms. Dodge has agreed to schedule a lot of funding for the center. After
that they are not sure, but they do have the Human Rights... (tape ends) I believe my
next meeting is in August and I'll probably have further information at that time.
SG: Do you think we have any role to play here to encourage the University regarding the
importance of such a center and our work with them?
Page 15 of 18
HO: Stefanie can I ask you to answer that. You have more history.
SB: Like a letter in support of continuing?
SG: Yes.
SB: I mean it would be something that the Commission has voted to do in other venues I
guess would be similar, but not exactly that specific. It's certainly something the
Commission can decide if they want to do that or not.
KH: Could you bring some more information...?
HO: I'd like to wait till the August meeting for more information and see where they're
coming from at that point.
OT: I've heard that there is a lot of change going on on the campus. Since this is an area that
you know to centers, an area that we have a definite interest in, would it be appropriate
for the Commission to address a letter to indicating that we're heard that there are
some changes occurring, and we are just concerned about the status of the center. We
wonder if she could give us some feedback as to what's going to be happening, and as
always if there's anything we can do to help or enhance the center, we'd more than
willing to do so.
SG: That would be nice, and especially that our chair always sits on the board. We have a
vested interest in
OT: I feel like if we want to get information and we want to get it in a timely manner so that if
there is something we have concerns about and we want to try to do something about it,
it's important that we get accurate information.
SB: It would have to be at another agenda. It's not on the agenda for tonight. So you guys
couldn't take any action anyway so, but I can try to get information too.
OT: It's not on the agenda, but since its come up as a concern can the Commissioners, we as
Commissioners request that you send a letter or does it have to be...
SB: No because that would be asking me to take action, and it's not on the agenda so.
KH: I just had a question for clarification. So we would be receiving board packets
electronically now?
SB: You still have a choice. I think the preference is for people to receive them
electronically. There has been no change in policy as far as staff's ability to send a hard
copy out. Other than Diane who has, she's the only one that I send. Well I send the
electronic to everyone, but she is the only one that I don't send a hard copy to is the better
Page 16 of 18
way to put it. I think it's a preference, but there's been no change in policy as far as our
ability to send it out.
HO: Why don't we just say if anybody wants to just receive the hard copy to let you know, or
receive the electronic to let you know.
b. Report of Staff
SB: The status of complaints is in the packets. I also wanted to mention that there's an ADA
celebration and Harry maybe you can help me out on this. I think it's tentatively
scheduled July 28th at the Coral Ridge Mall, but last time I checked I didn't have times.
don't know if times have been established. If I get an electronic email concerning the
ADA celebration at the Coral Ridge Mall on July 28`h I will send it to Commissioners.
HO: It's 10:00 to 3:00.
KH: Is now a time where you could explain what the process is for researching and what you
do when a complaint comes to your desk?
SB: I think that's something more for orientation with Commissioners. I can set up a time to
talk to you about it.
HO: When you say during mediation you're saying that two parties are sitting down with a
mediator trying to work it out.
SB: Yes.
HO: And the process is if that doesn't work out then it comes to the Commission?
SB: No. The only time that the Commission, meaning the members of the Commission
would be involved in a complaint is if there's a probable cause determination. If that
complaint is not resolved then there is a semi -role that the Commission in determining
how that, whether that complaint goes on to a public hearing or whether it closed. But
other than that staff handles the complaints and the Commission does not actively
participate in that process.
SG: And the frequency Stefanie in the past say five years for example, has this ever
happened?
SB: No not in my time no. There was one right before I came on that was still on the books,
but no. It's not something that you're going to see a lot, and like I said if anybody wants
more information its best to set up a meeting, but just to give a little background. It's not,
a probable cause one, there's a lot of steps in the way of getting to a probable cause. One
you have mediation, so usually if there's been a harm, it's possible that the respondent
and or the person who is alleged to have discriminated against knows this and so they are
going to try and resolve it in mediation. The second thing is that a complainant has the
Page 17 of 18
right to request a right to sue if a complaint has been on file for longer for 60 days. There
are also exceptions to that, but just generally speaking after 60 days a complainant can
always request a right to sue. A right to sue would be asking us to close the complaint
file that we have and they would be pursuing the matter in a court of law. So there's a lot
of steps to get to a probable cause and some of the ways that the system is set up, those
get filtered either through a right to sue or there is an agreement reached. So you never
get to that point. I don't want people to think it doesn't mean bad things aren't
happening, it's just that usually when those happen you're either gonna read about it in
local newspaper because the person is suing or its gonna be worked out and you wouldn't
hear about it.
HO: Stefanie anything else?
SB: We moved up to the third floor. There is an elevator so it's accessible for everyone
obviously. We want to be up to code, and if any of you have an opportunity it's great.
We have an enclosed space with individual offices and windows that open. It's very
quiet up on the third floor, and it gives us the ability I think to really be seen as a City
Department versus where we were before, which was a great location but it wasn't as
clear, kind of that we were a division of the city. I think now it's very clear so. There are
three offices, so it's Kristin and myself and then we have a student legal intern, which we
have each semester. She has her own office plus there's a bigger office in there that we
are using as a conference room once we get unpacked. So that will be nice too because
when people come in they can go straight up and go to the conference room and not kind
of be in open space like this when they are handling sensitive matters. If you get an
opportunity we like it, we're happy.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn at 18:57.
Page 18 of 18
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
(Meeting Date)
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
TERM
10/1
11/2
12/1
NAME
EXP.
1/17
2/21
3/20
4/17
5/15
6/19
7/17
8/21
9/18
6
0
8
Dr. Howard
1/1/13
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
Cowen
Constance
1/1/13
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Goeb
Harry
1/1/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Olmstead
(8 -1 -2010)
David B.
1/1/14
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Brown
Diane
1/1/14
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Finnerty
Orville
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend,
Sr.
Henri Harper
1/1/15
O/E
X
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Kim
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hanrahan
Shams
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ghoneim
Jessie
1/1/15
-
-
-
-
-
O/E
X
Harper
(Appointed
6-5-12)
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
CALL TO ORDER:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
STAFF ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
FINAL/APPROVED
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — July 10, 2012
Chair Donald King called the meeting to order at 5:36 P.M.
Kingsley Botchway, Royceann Porter
Melissa Jensen and Joseph Treloar
Staff Kellie Tuttle and Catherine Pugh
None
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
CONSENT
CALENDAR Motion by Porter and seconded by Botchway to adopt the consent calendar as
presented or amended.
• Minutes of the meeting on 06/12/12
• ICPD Department Memo #12 -19 (Jan -Feb 2012 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — January 2012
• ICPD Use of Force Report — February 2012
• ICPD General Order (99 -02) Alarm -Open Door Response
• ICPD General Order (99 -03) Prisoner Transport
• ICPD General Order (99 -05) Use of Force
• ICPD General Order (01 -01) Racial Profiling
—
2b(3)
King questioned why the Board receives the General Orders for review after they
are already issued, instead of before when the Board could make
recommendations for change. There was no one from ICPD present to respond.
Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen and Treloar absent.
NEW BUSINESS Draft #1 of FYI PCRB Annual Report — The Board agreed to continue the
review of the draft at their August meeting when all members would be present.
Complaint statistics — The Board discussed keeping track of officer numbers that
appear in complaints and if there is any benefit in doing so, and what they could
do with the information. The Board agreed to continue the discussion at their
August meeting when all members would be present.
BOARD
INFORMATION None.
STAFF
INFORMATION None.
PCRB
July 10, 2012
Page 2
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION None.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by Botchway and seconded by Porter to adjourn into Executive Session
based on Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records
which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or
to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or
continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in
confidential personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities,
boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22 -7(5) police officer investigative
reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and
22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are made to
a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those
communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably
believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen and Treloar absent.
Open session adjourned at 6:18 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 6:25 P.M.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• August 14, 2012, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• September 11, 2012, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• October 9, 2012, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• November 13, 2012, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by Porter, seconded by Botchway.
Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen and Treloar absent. Meeting adjourned at 6:27 P.M.
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IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION APPROVED �!
MONDAY, JULY 23, 2012 - -5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST. -TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Bergus, Alexa Homewood, Matt Butler, Hans Hoerschelman,
Nicholas Kilburg
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Brau, Ty Coleman, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Emily Light, Lee Grassely
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Butler asked when the last time someone from Mediacom attended a Commission meeting.
Hoerschelman said he believed it was last February. Hoerschelman requested that the City make a
formal request of Mediacom to participate by teleconference or video conference if a representative
could not be physically present. Bergus said she wants to make sure that requests to Mediacom for
information get followed up as they can become overlooked given the infrequent occasions when
Mediacom has a representative present. Hoerschelman requested that a list be generated and included
in the meeting packet. Coleman said a resolution to extend the PATV contract for two months has
been forwarded to the City Council.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hoerschelman moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to approve the May 21, 2012 minutes. The
motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
None.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Logsden thanked the Commission for approving the library's funding request to create a small studio
and has been put to good use.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Kilburg said that a friend recently informed him of their experience with Mediacom. This person was
planning to move to Iowa City and called Mediacom in early May to wire his condo. The condo was
not wired when he arrived and he was informed that they had indeed received his request, they had not
done it, and could not inform him when it would be done. Hoerschelman said that if Mediacom had a
representative present the Commission could ask them how long it typically takes between a service
request and the time it is completed.
MEDIACOM REPORT
No representative was present. Butler asked when the last time someone from Mediacom attended a
Commission meeting. Hoerschelman said he believed it was last February. Hoerschelman requested
that the City make a formal request of Mediacom to participate by teleconference or video conference
if a representative could not be physically present. Homewood said she joined the Commission a year
ago last March and Mediacom has had a representative present twice. Bergus said she wants to make
sure that requests to Mediacom for information get followed up on as they can get overlooked given
the infrequent occasions when Mediacom has a representative present. Hoerschelman requested that a
list of requests for information or action items be generated and included in the meeting packet.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNELS REPORTS
Hoerschelman noted that there were written reports in the meeting packet and distributed at the
meeting. McBride reported that the University of Iowa transmission operations will be moved to new
facilities in the Old Capital Building. Studio space will remain in Linquist. UITV has hired a new
staff person which should facilitate improvements. Hoerschelman as asked if there has been any
progress regarding the school district's efforts to get more programming. Hoyland said the Tate High
School graduation was recorded and cablecast. A number of programs from City High are being
shown. Hoyland has had some discussions with administrators about processes to have content
forwarded to him for the channel.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Coleman said he did not receive anything from Hardy.
PATV CONTRACT
Coleman said a resolution to extend the PATV contract for two months has been forwarded to the City
Council.
BROADBANDSURVEY
Hoerschelman said the broadband survey is still in progress and needs a couple minor adjustments.
Commissioners can register on the survey website, iowacitytelecom.com, and register to view the
survey.
ADJOUNMENT
Bergus moved and Homewood seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:54.
Resnectfully submitted,
Michael Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
Hoerschelma
n
Bergus
Homewood
5/28/11
X
X
X
X
Homewood x
6/27/11
x
o/c
x
x
X
8/27/11
x
x
x
o/c
X
9/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
10/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
11/26/11
X
X
vacant
X
X
Kilbur
2/25/12
X
X
x
x
X
Butler
3/26/12
o/c
x
o
x
X
4/23/12
X
X
X
X
X
5/21/12
X
X
X
X
X
6/25/12
X
X
X
X
X
7/23/12
x
X
X
X
x
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)