HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-07 Bd Comm minutesMinutes of the Regular Meeting
November 21, 2013
FINAL APPROVED
Members Present: Meredith Rich - Chappell, Diane Baker, Thomas Dean, Mark Edwards, Janet
Freeman, Thomas Martin, Robin Paetzold, Jay Semel.
Members Absent: Mark Edwards, Linzee McCray.
Staff Present: Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Kara Logsden, Patty McCarthy, Anne Mangano, Elyse
Miller, Brent Palmer.
Guests Present: Regenia Bailey.
Call Meeting to Order. President Rich Chappell called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm.
Public Discussion. None.
Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of the October 24, 2013 Library Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed. A motion
to approve the minutes was made by Paetzold and seconded by Dean .Motion carried 5/0.
Semel in at 5:04.
Rich - Chappell changed agenda order to give a little more time for Board members to arrive
before discussion with guest (Old Business). Discussion of Library Services to Lone Tree was
discussed first.
New Business.
Library Services to Lone Tree. Craig seeks Board authorization for staff to draft a contract for
library services with Lone Tree to be discussed by the Board in December so that Lone Tree has
something concrete to work from. Craig discussed the formula for payment in this contract. It is
based on the percentage of circulation by their residents averaged over three years. That figure
is applied to the tax support Iowa City provides to the Library. Contracts are ongoing unless one
of the parties decides to change it. This continues a long standing service that we have provided
to Lone Tree as an Open Access library. Lone Tree cardholders received a letter from us in
November stating we would no longer be able to serve their community because the State
Library determined this summer that they were not an Open Access library according to Iowa
criteria. Lone Tree people let their council know they wanted service from Iowa City. Paetzold
asked if Lone Tree would reduce the amount of funding to their school library in order to
contract with ICPL. Craig believes Lone Tree City Council will continue to fund their school library
and also pay for library services from Iowa City, but that is their decision. A motion was made by
Martin authorizing staff to draft a document to provide library services to Lone Tree. The motion
was seconded by Paetzold. Motion carried 6/0.
Janet Freeman in at 5:27 pm.
Unfinished Business.
Strategic Plan FY16. Craig introduced Regenia Bailey, a local consultant who has written several
articles on nonprofit boards and strategic planning. Bailey gave an overview of the strategic
planning process. She asked how many of the Board members participated in a strategic plan.
Bailey believes strategic planning is a good use of resources and provides an opportunity to
focus. She believes stakeholder engagement is an important part of process. Bailey discussed
the survey design process which is critical and determines priorities. Questions to think about:
How does the organization engage with its environment? What is innovation? How are you are
going to use the information that you gather? Further engagement in the process relies on
letting people know how you used the information and thanking them for participating.
Craig asked Bailey about the composition of evaluation committees. ICPL's last committee was
comprised of Board members and staff members. Bailey said this is the most common makeup;
some nonprofits include key donors. Martin asked if major users of the library could be included.
Paetzold wanted to be sure that there was a distinction being made between whom to include
in the planning process as we go along. Bailey asked how strategic plans have fallen down in
Board members' past experience. Freeman said a gap in implementation was most frequent
downfall in strategic planning process she's been involved with. Semel said that opportunities
and threats take people away from the strategic plan and may become outmoded before it can
get started because economic factors have an impact on their implementation. Dean said the
last five year plan got more general each year so there was room to adjust year by year;
flexibility was built into the plan. Freeman asked about characteristics of a good goal; Bailey said
a broad goal with specific objectives is best. Freeman asked if goals are mostly idealized and not
achievable. Craig said you are stating your priorities when you create your goals and they are
doable and measurable. She gave an example of the current plan's goal to make the library
easier to use and more accessible and the years of effort that went into the facility
improvements were are finishing. Craig said that a lot of money and effort through these years
has been toward achieving this goal. Bailey said addressing concerns and skepticism upfront
give the process a much better chance to be successful. Bailey out at 5:50 pm.
Paetzold, a member of the consultant selection committee, expressed concern that we may have
an unequal playing field by having Bailey speak at the Board meeting and is concerned about
the perception of favoring a candidate by giving the person access to the Board. Craig said she
did not expect an RFP from Bailey's company when she made the invitation which was based on
writings the Board has been given. She has a personal relationship with several of the potential
consultants. Martin asked about the composition of the Selection Committee and the process.
The committee is Rich - Chappell and Paetzold from the Board; Craig, Mangano, and Logsden
from the staff. Semel asked if all of the Board members could see the RFPs. Craig will check with
the City to see if persons other than the designated Selection Committee members can review
the RFPs. She does not believe so. There was discussion about full Board involvement in the
selection of the strategic planning consultant. Craig said there are eleven RFPs that the Selection
Committee will review them and the pool will be narrowed down to a few who will come and
present to the Selection Committee in person. Semel thinks it is strange to be on the Board and
not be a part of the decision making and seeing all of the RFPs. Craig said Board involvement is
in the actual planning which guides budget decisions we will make for the next five years which
is more important than selecting the strategic planning consultant. Freeman believes that the
process is fine. Dean said delegating a subcommittee to bring a recommendation to the Board is
a normal process, just like delegating committees to review library board policies. Rich - Chappell
said the logistical reality is there needs to be an element of trust for the committee. Baker
reminded that people had an opportunity to volunteer for the committee to participate in the
strategic planning consultant selection.
Policy Review: #101, By -Laws. Staff reviewed the By -Laws and do not have any recommended
changes. Craig reminded Board members these are their working rules and can be changed.
There was a discussion about expanding the role of the Secretary. A motion to add the duties of
President and Vice President to the duties of Secretary in their absence was made by Semel and
seconded by Dean. Motion carried 7/0.
Policy Review: #809, Conduct. This is a regularly scheduled policy review. Recommended
changes align with the City ordinance for behavior on the Ped Mall. A motion was made by
Dean to accept the policy with the changes made by staff and seconded by Paetzold. Motion
carried 7/0.
Policy Review: #813, Unattended Children. This policy is reviewed in conjunction with the
Conduct policy. The policy is primarily the same but rewritten to emphasize the importance of
supervision for children in the library. Dean is concerned about 813.2 because it appears less
specific about supervision. He said there are some 7 year olds who cannot be left alone in the
Children's Room, while other 7 year olds can. Dean feels we need to designate and empower
library staff specifically in this clause, and suggested this language: "A responsible person must
also accompany any children who need supervision on library visits as determined by library
staff." Paetzold asked about the liability associated with being responsible for a child for an
hour. Clark said we are reluctant to turn a child over the police right away because we do not
want to frighten a child. She believes staff is able to make decisions about how long /when to
call police or take action. A motion to approve the policy with new language provided by Board
members was made by Freeman and seconded by Martin. Motion carried 6/0.
Semel out at 6:24 pm.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report: There are a couple of minor things yet to be complete for the building project.
The Open House reception last week was really nice and well received by everyone who came
into the library. We received great press from Channel 2, Channel 9, and the Daily Iowan. Craig
received very positive feedback about the Open House.
FY15 Budget. Craig met with the City Administration and Finance department. The City is waiting
for revenue projections from the County. Craig mentioned Johnson County is also changing
3
financial software and assessment information is not available yet. A proposed budget will be
out in December.
Legislative Reception. ICPL is hosting this annual event on December 3, 2013 from 5:30 -6:30 pm.
Freeman asked what the Legislative Reception was about. Craig explained the Public Libraries of
Johnson County (PUC) host a reception each year to which legislators, politicians, the Board of
Supervisors and trustees from each library come together to discuss issues of concern to the
PUC libraries. It has been well attended in the past and Board members are encouraged to
attend this year.
Departmental Reports:
Adult Services. Paetzold asked about Art Purchase Prize.
Community & Access Services. Dean heard great things about the Vonnegut display.
Development Office Report. December 7, 2013 is the Book Sale in the Gallery. Parking will be
free from 10 -5 downtown in the ramps. The Foundation's annual appeal was mailed one week
ago. They are $2,000 ahead compared to this time last year. McCarthy reminded Board members
to remember their gift! The Book Gala figures are not all in; it is expected to be approximately
$1,000. McCarthy thanked Prairie Lights for their generosity in collaborating with us on this
great event.
Staff Inservice Day, December 13, 2013. Board members are most welcome to join us for all or
any part of Inservice Day. Last year, all of the Board members spent time at Inservice Day.
Spotlight on the Collection. No comments.
Miscellaneous. No comments.
President's Report.
None.
Announcements from Members.
Martin said the State Library Director applications have been weeded down from 21 applicants.
Four phone interviews were conducted last Friday. The hiring committee believes it is very
important for the successful candidate be an advocate for all libraries and have an
understanding of both small rural and large urban library concerns. There are now two
candidates who will come to Des Moines for all day interviews in early December.
Committee Reports.
No report. Foundation meets December 4, 2013.
Communications. Letter from Iowa Library Association.
Disbursements.
The MasterCard expenditures for October 2013 were reviewed. Martin asked if there is a credit
card limit. Craig said each staff member who has a credit card has a different limit depending on
4
the nature of purchases that department might make. A motion to approve the disbursements
for October 2013 was made by Dean and seconded by Paetzold. Motion carried 6/0.
Set Agenda Order for December Meeting.
Strategic planning consultant.
Lone Tree contract.
Naming policy conversation; policy to be created and reviewed at February 2014 meeting.
Adjournment. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Martin and seconded by Rich -
Chappell. Motion carried 6/0. President Rich - Chappell closed the meeting at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
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MINUTES APPROVED
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013 — 6:30 PM
DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bacon Curry, Andrew Chappell, Cheryll Clamon, David
Hacker, Jim Jacobson, Peter Matthes, Dottie Persson, Rachel
Zimmerman Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Christine Ralston
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Rackis (ICHA)
OTHERS PRESENT: John Sewell, Maryann Dennis, Bob Welsh, Jerry Anthony, Andrew
Sanchez, Tiffini McClair, Kasey Befeler
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
No recommendations.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Andrew Chappell.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 17, 2013 MINUTES:
Clamon moved to approve.
Zimmerman Smith seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF /COMMISSION COMMENT:
Commission members introduced themselves to new Commission member Peter Matthes.
Hightshoe said she attended the Visiting Nurses Association's Open House. She said VNA used
CDBG funds to acquire the lot for their new office building. It is a nice facility and a partnership
with the Uofl College of Nursing.
Hightshoe instructed the three new Commission members on the details of monitoring reports.
Presentation by the University of Iowa Public Policy Center (PPC) on the Draft
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (www.icciov.org /actionplan)
• Opportunity for Commission and Public to Comment
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013
PAGE 2 of 6
Jerry Anthony of PPC gave a presentation on the draft study. He listed and explained
the key six features of the study: segregation maps, segregation indices, a discussion of
the Iowa City Affordable Housing Model, restrictive covenants, service of assisted and
unassisted renters and bank lending data.
Anthony said some of the census data is conflicting so if they can't reconcile it, they
don't use it in the report. He said that the bank lending data shows that some banks are
denying certain classes at a higher rate than others, but cautioned the Commission
about jumping to conclusions, as the credit histories and credit scores are unknown. He
said he has had difficulty getting certain data about Section Eight Vouchers and
residency preference from the Iowa City Housing Authority. Anthony requested the
addresses of Section 8 tenants.
Anthony said he looks forward to public and Commission comment, and then in the near
future, the PPC will draw up recommendations and the final report will come back to the
Commission.
Chappell opened the meeting for public discussion.
Bob Welsh of Iowa City said the one weak spot in Iowa City is the lack of accessible,
affordable housing. He said he was concerned about the finding that some banks are
denying certain classes at a higher rate than others and hopes that if it's because of
racial reasons, that they be referred to the Human Rights Commission. He also asked if
the Primary Reference Category on page 42 is a broad category or is there a preference
within that. He said he is most concerned about a study from 2007 titled Affordable
Housing Market Analysis of the Iowa City Metro Area that stated "there is an absence of
developable land zoned for multifamily housing and available purchase in Iowa City. The
scattered site policy and the Affordable Housing Location Map have made development
of new assisted rental housing seemingly even more difficult." He asked if Anthony
agrees or disagrees with that statement and what are the recommendations.
Maryann Dennis, Executive Director of The Housing Fellowship, said in regard to fair
housing access in the community, she agrees with the concerns described on page 28
of the report. She said the Affordable Housing Location Map is really specific for rental,
and it has been a barrier to the development of scattered site affordable rental homes.
She cited two rental homes the Fellowship owns on Hotz Avenue and Elizabeth Street
and said this is a great neighborhood for low -wage working families, but the City will not
use their federal funds to financially assist the Housing Fellowship to develop additional
rental housing near these homes and other neighborhoods marked in the study. She
said the study explains that land prices are high in areas where the City is trying to
redirect affordable housing. HOME funds restrict the rents, so that means the Fellowship
as a developer would have difficulty getting the project to have adequate cash flow.
Dennis said she feels that there isn't the political will for inclusionary zoning, but she's
glad to see that it is yet again a recommendation in this study, as it has been year after
year in other housing studies. She stated that Iowa City is required to further fair housing
and fair housing planning and to take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any
identified impediments, and she looks forward to seeing what actions are taken by the
City.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013
PAGE 3 of 6
Steve Rackis, Administrator for the Iowa City Housing Authority, answered Welsh's first
question by saying that the Housing Authority does use local preferences and went on to
explain what they comprise.
Rackis said that HUD issued a memorandum in 2010 that distinguished between what
they felt was public and private information as it related to the Housing Choice Voucher
Program. He said the City Attorney Sue Dulek reviewed that document and
communicated to Anthony this week that in her opinion, the addresses of Section 8
tenants were confidential.
Rackis said he met with students from the PPC in May and provided all the information
they requested. He said they had no other requests for information until this week. All
prior information that was readily available was provided. The study was due in August
and the ICHA provided all the information requested during that May visit. He said the
information requested this past week that required more labor- intensive staff time was
not provided due to budget cuts in his department and his judgment that he had work
that was of a higher priority than creating custom reports about who was on the Housing
Authority's waiting list by preference category. He said the data he had on the waiting list
was the data he reported in his 2013 Annual Report, and it was simply the primary
preference category.
Bacon Curry asked what information the primary preference category provides. Rackis
said it's the break -down of elderly, disabled, families with children and racial
characteristics.
Zimmermann Smith asked what is missing from the study because the PPC doesn't
have the information about the vouchers. Anthony said his instinct is that people who
have housing choice vouchers live in disperse locations and he wants data to validate
this. He said that the City wants both affordable housing and housing choice vouchers
scattered throughout the city.
Zimmermann Smith asked when the preference is established. Rackis replied that
applicants apply and include their location of residency. They get placed on the
appropriate waiting list. If they move to the jurisdiction after they apply and contact the
City, their place on the waiting list changes as now a resident. If they were on the
waiting list as a resident and notify the ICHA they moved out of the jurisdiction, they are
moved to the appropriate preference category. The ICHA accepts their word concerning
residency while in the applicant status. Proof of residency is not required until they are
eligible to receive a voucher. The preference categories are constantly in flux based on
demographics and people moving in and out of the community.
Clamon asked if Anthony's charge was to do a study on the city only. Anthony said for
some of the categories the data given to them, for example the Housing Authority,
includes the entire area of their jurisdiction, not just the City.
Zimmermann Smith stated the comments about the Affordable Housing Location Model
were only received by a few affordable housing providers. They should be balanced by
comments from the broader community. There was a community reason why the model
was adopted and those comments should be included.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013
PAGE 4 of 6
Chappell said on page 28 the three most common concerns listed is misleading in that
they could be construed as comments from the community in general rather than simply
from the three people Anthony talked to. He said that another concern is that this section
of the study is talking about affordable housing when the study is actually meant to
address fair housing. To his understanding, the study is identify the impediments to fair
housing, not affordable housing. Anthony said in this draft they are presenting the
information they received from community members and when they write up their
recommendations they will clarify that.
Persson said she would appreciate having an appendix listing the abbreviations used in
the report.
Dennis said that Families with Children is a protected class under the Fair Housing Law
and she thinks there has been a disparate impact on families with children in this
community. She said she thinks the City has created policies based on the receiving of
Federal funds that have resulted in an impediment to fair housing for families with
children.
Jacobsen said in some charts it would be helpful to have the numbers as well as the
percentages listed.
Chappell asked if they could include a citation on page 4 where impediments are
defined. Anthony said that is directly taken from the HUD Fair Planning Guide.
Chappell talked about the term Population Segregation and whether that is appropriate
language to use. He also asked what the map showing the population segregation in
Iowa City would look like if there was no segregation. Anthony said this is the first time
doing this map for Iowa City so this will be the benchmark for going forward. He said
population segregation is always calculated in percentage terms. Anthony said there will
always be some population segregation because of choice rather than due to
constraints, and it would be impossible to map choice versus constraints.
New Business
Discuss and Review FY15 CDBG /HOME Funding Process Timeline
Review and Approve FY15 CDBG /HOME Application Materials
Discuss and Review FY15 Aid to Agency Funding Process & Timeline
Zimmerman Smith moved to approve the CDBG /HOME application materials.
Persson seconded.
The motion carried 8 -0.
Hightshoe explained how the Aid to Agency Funding process works. The Commission
discussed the application form that is used. The FY15 application materials, almost
identical to FY14, were approved. Hightshoe stated the commission will get paper
copies of the applications unless they request it is not needed. Hightshoe cautioned
that the budget may be different as Congress has not adopted a budget yet. The
amounts identified in the Applicant Guide are staff's best estimates at this time and are
subject to change.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013
PAGE 5 of 6
Monitoring Reports
• FY14 MECCA — Aid to Agencies (Chappell)
• FY14 Neighborhood Centers of JC — Aid to Agencies (Chappell)
FY13 Neighborhood Centers of JC — Facility Rehab. (Bacon Curry)
• FY12 Mayor's Youth — Rental Housing (Bacon Curry)
The reports will be deferred until the December HCDC meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Persson moved to adjourn.
Clamon seconded.
Motion to adjourn carried 8 -0.
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2b(3)
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
October 15, 2013 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
APPROVED (Revised)
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Paul Retish, Kim Hanrahan,
Jewell Amos, Joe Coulter, Shams Ghoneim, Andrea Cohen.
Members Absent: Diane Finnerty.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Council: No.
Call to Order:
Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:02.
Consideration of the Minutes of the September 17.2013:
Coulter moved, seconded by Olmstead. 7 -0. (Cohen not present)
Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda: No.
Meeting Business
One Community One Book
The book selected this year is The Boy Who Harnesses the Wind by William Kamkwamba.
Commissioners discussed contributing to the event. Motion by Olmstead to contribute $350, seconded by
Ghoneim. 8 -0. '
Human Rights Breakfast
Olmstead provided an update on the Breakfast plans to date and last minute items that need to be
completed. The library will be providing space to the Commission to display the flyers. The Commission
has over 250 pictures of individuals participating in the I Have a Dream Campaign.
A. Mori Costantino and Jean Lloyd -Jones will be recognized and given Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Motion Olmstead, seconded Amos. 8 -0.
Proclamations
The Commission will submit proclamations to the Mayor for National Disability Employment Awareness
Month and National Native American Heritage Month. Olmstead and Coulter will accept.
Motion Cohen, seconded Coulter. 8 -0.
Updates & Reports:
Cultural Diversity Day
This event was located in a new location this year. Commissioners discussed assisting the University in
making the event better known to all in the community.
Conference on Racial Justice & Disproportionate Minority Incarceration
Ghoneim reported on the status of the Conference scheduled for the 17'h. Commissioners suggested
asking Mike Quinlan to present at a future conference. It was also mentioned to have a discussion
regarding the high rate of individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
Education Subcommittee
Retish discussed the recent role the Office of Civil Rights has in taken in terms of the Iowa City
Community School District. Retish agreed to join this subcommittee. Townsend withdrew to avoid
having a quorum serving. Motion Coulter, seconded Townsend. 8 -0.
Immigrant Subcommittee
No report.
Building Communities
Townsend provided an update on a meeting held with Steve Rackis that discussed The Housing Choice
Program including the process and reasons why an applicant may be denied or removed from the
program. Townsend also indicated the future direction of the committee will be to focus on housing.
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
The Advisory Board meeting will be held at a future date.
Building Blocks, Resume Training
Retish provided a history of the Building Blocks Job Fair. This fall instead of holding a job fair a resume
writing and online job application training will be held at the library with several local agencies assisting.
The library is a co- sponsor of the training along with several other area service providers.
Commission
Amos noted her participation in Cultural Diversity Day and the need to get the word out about the event
to those not associated with the University. The steady decrease in attendance at the event was discussed
earlier in the meeting and Coulter planned to get demographics from the University to help make a plan
for increasing attendance. Ghoneim reported on several recent news articles about human rights and
related events and programs. Olmstead reported on an upcoming event honoring Burns Weston on
11/07/13 that will be open to the public.
Staff
Bowers spoke on the status of recent amendments to the ordinance and also that Olmstead will be
recognized at The ARC of Southeast Iowa Awards Ceremony.
Adjournment:
Motion Olmstead, seconded Townsend. 8 -0.
Adjournment: 19:50
Next Regular Meeting — November 19, 2013
2
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012/2013
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
11/20/
12
12/18/
12
1/15/
13
1/28
/13
2/19/
13
3/19/
13
4/16
113
5/21
/13
6/18/
13
7/16/
13
8/20/
13
9/17/
13
10/15/
13
Diane
Finnerty
1/14/14
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paul Retish
1/1/14
-
-
-
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
X
Dan Tallon
1/1/14
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
R
R
R
Kim
Hanrahan
111115
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/15
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
Jessie Harper
111115
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Jewell Amos
111115
-
-
-
-
-
-
_
-
-
X
X
X
X
Katie
Anthony
1/1/16
-
-
X
X
X
X
X
R
R
R
R
R
R
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/16
-
-
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Andrea Cohen
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
_
_
_
_
_
O/E
X
X
Connie Goeb
1/1/13
X
X
Howard
Cowen
1/1/13
O/E
O/E
David B.
Brown
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Henri Harper
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = No longer a member
R = Resignation
,-.� ®4 CITY OF IOWA CITY ��
�0% C MEMORANDUM
Date:
December 18, 2013
To:
Mayor and City Council
From:
Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator
Re:
Recommendation from Human Rights Commission
At the November 19, 2013 meeting the Human Rights Commission made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission finds the City of Iowa City Citizen's Survey 2013 to
be of questionable validity and in need of inclusion of all community constituents. The
Commission recommends the Council not use it at all. If used, it should not be used as the sole
input for guiding strategic planning. The Commission encourages the Council to rely upon other
types of documents that members of the community have brought forth such as the Ad Hoc
Diversity Recommendations, the Racial Equity in Iowa City and Johnson County Report of the
Iowa City Coalition for Racial Justice and the Immigrant Voices Project Materials.
Additional action (check one)
X No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
Minutes
Human Rights Commission APPROVED
November 19, 2013 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Paul Retish, Joe Coulter, Shams
Ghoneim, Andrea Cohen, Diane Finnerty.
Not Present: Jewell Amos, Kim Hanrahan.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Others Present: Jim Throgmorton, Yaohui Chen, Misty Rebik.
Recommendations to Council: YES.
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission finds the City of Iowa City Citizen's Survey 2013 to
be of questionable validity and in need of inclusion of all community constituents. The
Commission recommends the Council not use it all. If used, it should not be used as the sole
input for guiding strategic planning. The Commission encourages the Council to rely upon other
types of documents that members of the community have brought forth such as the Ad Hoc
Diversity Recommendations, the Racial Equity in Iowa City and Johnson County Report of the
Iowa City Coalition for Racial Justice and the Immigrant Voices Project Materials.
Call to Order:
Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:00.
Consideration of the Minutes of the October 15,2013:
Coulter moved, seconded by Finnerty. 6 -0 ( Ghoneim not present).
Public Comment:
Council member Jim Throgmorton addressed the concerns of international undergraduate students at the
University from China. Throgmorton asked the Commission to establish a subcommittee to meet with
representatives of the Chinese Students & Scholars Association. Yaohui Chen spoke on the experience
many Chinese students have both on campus and in the community. He would like to work with the
Commission to establish relationships between community members and students new to this area. Chen
also spoke on the cultural adjustments many international students make when they come to Iowa City. It
was suggested that the City have a liaison for persons new to this country.
Olmstead moved, seconded by Finnerty. Motion passed 7 -0. The Commission will establish a
subcommittee to work more closely with the Chinese Students & Scholars Association. Olmstead and
Cohen volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.
Meeting Business
Ecological Human Rights
Professor of Law Burns Weston discussed advocacy for environmental concerns and human rights.
Professor Weston presented a covenant that he co- authored. He requested that the Commission support
the implementation of the concepts of this covenant to the Iowa City Council. Commissioners wished to
take time to study the materials and discuss in December. Motion by Townsend, second by Coulter.
Motion passed 6 -0. (Finnerty abstained). Agenda item December.
2013 Resident Survey
Commissioners reported that the survey does not address the needs of all in the community. For example,
the survey did not address affordable housing, paratransit or Sunday service. Other concerns about the
report were that it is of questionable validity. The survey is not diverse and the survey did not poll
persons who are homeless. Motion to Council by Coulter seconded by Olmstead. Motion passed 7 -0. (See
recommendation to Council page one)
Mirage
The Commission elected not to participate in this event because it is outside the scope of the human rights
ordinance. Motion by Finnerty seconded by Coulter. Motion passed 7 -0.
Structure of Human Rights Commission
Olmstead is concerned that the Commission is too small to be fully active in the community. Coulter
moved that the Human Rights Commission be expanded in its membership to 11 and to have a student
liaison, Olmstead seconded. Motion failed 2 -3. (Finnerty, Cohen abstained). Item to be discussed at
December meeting. Motion Coulter, seconded by Ghoneim. Motion passed 7 -0. Agenda Item December.
Updates & Reports:
Cultural Diversity Day
No Report.
Proclamations
Coulter accepted the proclamation for Native American Heritage Month on behalf of the Commission.
Human Rights Breakfast
The 2013 event was very successful. Finnerty presented an award to Olmstead in thanks for his hard
work and time in taking all the pictures for the 1 Have a Dream Campaign. Misty Rebik updated on the
status of discussions between Sheraton and The Center for Worker Justice. Rebik asked that the
Commission not hold a Breakfast in the future at a place that violates individuals' civil rights. Finnerty
moved, Olmstead seconded. Motion passed 8 -0. Finnerty will draft the letter to the Sheraton on behalf of
the Commission.
Conference on Racial Justice & Disproportionate Minority Incarceration
Commissioners gave their opinions on the Conference and offered suggestions. The Commission is
supportive of sponsoring a similar type event on a yearly basis. Ghoneim moved and Olmstead seconded.
Motion passed 7 -0.
- Ghoneim no longer present-
Education Subcommittee
The Iowa City Community School District plans to hold school on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
this item will be discussed at the December meeting. Agenda Item December.
Immigrant Subcommittee
No report.
2
Building Communities
The Commission would like to create a pamphlet that would outline the rules and protocol of the Housing
Authority. Bowers will follow up with Steve Rackis to see if the Housing Authority already has such a
pamphlet. Townsend moved to request permission to communicate with the Housing Authority to see if it
would be willing to put a pamphlet together, and if not, then the Commission would. Townsend moved,
Coulter seconded. Motion passed 6 -0. ( Ghoneim not present)
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
Olmstead and Ghoneim will attend the next meeting.
Building Blocks, Resume Training
Retish reported low attendance at the two resume trainings held at the Iowa City Public Library and
Shelter House. Due to this, Retish suggests returning to the traditional job fair.
Commission
Finnerty requested to place a proposal for a Racial Justice Round Table on the December agenda.
Finnerty moved, Coulter seconded. Agenda Item December.
Olmstead discussed a radio interview that he and Townsend participated in where they discussed the
Human Rights Breakfast and the history of the Commission.
Retish reported that he is worried about school redistricting.
Staff
Bowers updated Commissioners on the status of the City Hall remodel.
Adjournment: 20:25
Next Regular Meeting — December 17, 2013
3
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012/2013
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
12/18/
12
1/15/
13
1/28
113
2/19/
13
3/19/
13
4/16
/13
5/21
113
6/18/
13
7/16/
13
8/20/
13
9/17/
13
10/15/
13
11/19/
13
Diane
Finnerty
1/14/14
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paul Retish
1/1/14
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
Dan Tallon
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
R
R
R
R
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Shams
Ghoneim
111115
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Jessie Harper
111115
X
X
X
X
X
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Jewell Amos
111115
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
X
O/E
Katie
Anthony
1 /l /16
-
X
X
X
X
X
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/16
-
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Andrea Cohen
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
O/E
X
X
X
Connie Goeb
1/1/13
X
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Howard
Cowen
1/1/13
WE
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
David B.
Brown
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Henri Harper
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = No longer a member
R = Resignation
11
Approved Minutes
October 2013
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
OCTOBER 24, 2013
ROOM 209, IOWA CITY /JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Members Present: Jay Honohan, Chuck Felling, Kathy Mitchell, Mark Holbrook,
Margaret Reese, Rose Hanson
Members Absent:
Staff Present: Michelle Buhman, Kristin Kromray
Others Present: Jack Hobbs
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Honohan at 4:00 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the September 19, 2013 meeting.
Motion carried on a vote of 6/0. Felling /Mitchell.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS:
Honohan will attend a November City Council meeting.
STEERING COUNCIL REPORT DISCUSSION:
Honohan expressed his appreciation for receiving the draft minutes from the
September Steering Council meeting in the commission packet.
MmTrr�
2b(5)
Approved Minutes
October 2013
DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPING REGULATIONS FOR SERVING ALCOHOL
AT SENIOR CENTER EVENTS:
The commission discussed various options for how to structure alcohol rentals.
Options include allowing rentals to serve alcohol only if served by a caterer,
allowing renters to serve alcohol without a caterer, requiring security at events,
and allowing use of the kitchen. Kopping expressed concern over rentals using
the kitchen or for larger events due to time constraints created by the meal
program.
DISCUSSION OF SUMMER 2013 SURVEY RESULTS:
Kopping stated she would like representatives from the commission, steering
council, and working committees to form a committee to review the survey results
and develop specific action steps. Commissioners Felling, Honohan and
Holbrook agreed to serve on the survey committee.
The survey results show that low income and ethnic minorities are
underrepresented among members and participants. Kopping indicated this was
of great concern to her and she believes steps need to be taken to find out how
The Center can better serve these groups of seniors.
The commission discussed other survey findings including a desire for more
evening and weekend programs and the remarkably high rate of satisfaction
among current participants.
Motion: To accept the 2013 survey results. Motion carried on a vote of 6/0.
Holbrook /Mitchell
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Kopping has been working on the FY15 budget. Funding for a professional,
comprehensive survey of the needs and interests of low- income and minority
adults has been submitted. Kopping is seeking a partnership with another aging
service provider who might be interested in the outcomes a survey of this sort is
likely to produce.
A request was made for a part time temporary employee to provide fitness and
other classes in neighborhood locations targeting low- income and minority
seniors. The temporary employee would be responsible for coordinating and
partnering with other area organizations to better serve low income participants.
W
Approved Minutes
October 2013
Many of the spaces in the Senior Center are in need of updates. The wallpaper,
paint, flooring covering and window treatments are 20 -30 years old on the
second floor and mezzanine and a couple of areas on the first floor. In total this
is a large project that will be divided into multiple fiscal years.
In FY15 (this year) funding for a design team to put together an overall, multi-
year design plan is available. For the FY16 budget, requests have been
submitted to move forward with these plans and paint and re -floor room 103 and
remove wallpaper, skim -coat and paint rooms 205 and 210. These two rooms
are a "test" to evaluate the condition of the underlying plaster and determine if
skim - coating and painting will work. If the underlying plaster has deteriorated
beyond the point of skim - coating, we will need to return to the use of the more
expensive option -- wallpaper.
Audio visual upgrades for rooms 202 and 208 have been included in the FY16
budget request with funding coming out of the gift fund. The gift fund currently
has about $32,000 in it and these audio visual upgrades will cost about $16,000.
A request for new classroom tables has been submitted. Pending approval,
funding for this purchase of approximately $13,000, will come from Friends of
The Center.
Kopping pointed out that the Gift fund is rarely used for donations because they
are either given directly to Friends of the Center or to the operational budget.
There is very little, if any, activity in the Gift Fund.
Motion: To authorize the use of the gift fund for AV upgrades. Motion
carried on a vote of 5/0. Hanson /Holbrook
STAFF REPORTS:
Buhman reported that the Mac and Cheese fundraiser was on October 4th. The
fundraiser made $1900 and served 115 people. The number of people attending
this event has gone down each year and Buhman indicated that she was looking
into other fundraising opportunities. Buhman noted that the last gallery walk was
very successful. She indicated she is already scheduling programs for spring.
Koping reported that the Johnson County grant proposal is due on November
15t . She is still working on the final details and trying to identify an equitable
funding request.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Approved Minutes
October 2013
Felling and Holbrook will serve as a nominating committee for the vice chair spot
that is currently open.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 5/0. Holbrook/mitchell.
4
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IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION APPROVED
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013 - -5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST. -TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nicholas Kilburg, Matt Butler, Laura Bergus, Brain Elias, Alexa
Homewood
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Brau, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Hans Hoerschelman, Bond Drager, Emily Light
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Goding reported PATV would hold their annual membership meeting on Nov. 21, 7 p.m., at the Mill
restaurant. Several new board members will be elected. Hardy said the city received notice from
Alliance Technologies that they have applied to the Iowa Utility Board (IUB) for a state issued
franchise to provide video service in an area that includes Iowa City. Alliance indicated they intend to
start providing service in Feb. 2014. As a result of Alliance's application, Mediacom informed the city
that they have applied to the IUB for a state issued franchise for Iowa City. Mediacom's application is
automatically approved once Alliance meets the conditions to provide service, which they have. The
existing municipal franchise has been nullified. If Alliance does not provide service by Feb. 2015, the
IUB can terminate the franchise and the previous municipal franchise with Mediacom can be
reinstated. In addition, Grassley said Mediacom has taken a position that the payment to the city for
the support of public access operations is not a fee but a grant and is not subject to the provisions in the
Iowa Code requiring the same level of financial support for public, educational, and government local
access channels after conversion to a state issued franchise as would have been required by the
municipal franchise up until the time the municipal franchise would have expired. Hardy said he
would be meeting with city manger Markus and the legal department tomorrow to review the city's
options. Bergus noted that the city's contract with PATV is still valid, although the city is not
responsible to provide PATV funds if the city does not receive funds from Mediacom. Hardy said the
city has received funding for PATV though December. The next draft of the broadband survey
narrative was distributed. Hoerschelman said the next major section to be done is the conclusion.
Bergus said she was more inclined to separate the survey from specific recommendations the
Commission might wish to make to the City Council on how the city might facilitate better broadband
service in the area. Brau said he will email a new version of the survey narrative to members and
asked them to review and comment so the final draft can soon be completed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Elias moved and Killburg seconded a motion to approve the amended September 30, 2013 minutes.
The motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
None.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Hardy referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and said all issues have been resolved.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNELS REPORTS
Bergus noted there were written reports in the meeting packet from PATV, the City Channel, and the
library. Goding reported PATV would hold their annual membership meeting on Nov. 21, 7 p.m., at
the Mill restaurant. Several new board members will be elected. The next guidelines workshop will
be held Nov. 4. PATV will screen their sci -fi miniseries "Moon Zero Three" at the Mill restaurant on
Nov. 6. Light reported that Senior Center TV screening during the Senior Center open house and
presented information on SCTV. Producers have been discussing strategies to produce more
programs, particularly short-form works.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Hardy said he had nothing to report that is not covered elsewhere in the agenda.
MEDIACOM STATE ISSUED FRANCHSE
Hardy said the city received notice from Alliance Technologies that they have applied to the Iowa
Utility Board (IUB) for a state issued franchise to provide video service in an area that includes Iowa
City. Alliance indicated they intend to start providing service in Feb. 2014. As a result of Alliance's
application, Mediacom informed the city that they have applied to the IUB for a state issued franchise
for Iowa City. Mediacom's application is automatically approved once Alliance meets the conditions
to provide service, which they have. The existing municipal franchise has been nullified. If Alliance
does not provide service by Feb. 2015, the IUB can terminate the franchise and the previous municipal
franchise with Mediacom can be reinstated. Hardy noted that another company, Phalanx Technologies
had previously applied for a state issued franchise that covered Iowa City and Mediacom took no
action to seek a state issued franchise. Grassley said that following the issuance of a state franchise to
Phalanx Mediacom did convert to a state issued franchise in Dubuque, which they used as a test case.
Mediacom perceived the Dubuque municipal franchise as more onerous than other municipal
franchises. Grassley said it is Mediacom's policy to seek a state issued franchise when available. In
addition, Grassley said Mediacom has taken a position that the payment to the city for the support of
public access operations is not a fee but a grant and is not subject to the provisions in the Iowa Code
requiring the same level of financial support for public, educational, and government local access
channels after conversion to a state issued franchise as would have been required by the municipal
franchise up until the time the municipal franchise would have expired. Hardy said he would be
meeting with city manger Markus and the legal department tomorrow to review the city's options.
Bergus noted that the city's contract with PATV is still valid, although the city is not responsible to
provide PATV funds if the city does not receive funds from Mediacom. Hardy said the city has
received funding for PATV though December. Butler asked Grassley what Mediacom's public
relations stance is with regard to state issued franchises. Grassley said Mediacom's policy is to treat
all communities the same.
BROADBAND SURVEY
The next draft of the broadband survey narrative was distributed. Hoerschelman said the next major
section to be done is the conclusion. This section might include the goals for broadband service in the
future. Ideas on what the city might do and what people think should be done could be included.
Recommendations could be formulated. Brau said specific recommendations might be developed
separately for consideration by the municipal government and the community. The survey could be
used as a supporting document for those recommendations. Bergus said she was more inclined to
separate the survey from specific recommendations the Commission might wish to make to the City
Council on how the city might facilitate better broadband service in the area. Brau said he will email a
new version of the survey narrative to members and asked them to review and comment so the final
draft can soon be completed.
ADJOURNMENT
Homewood moved and Elias seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
Hoerschelman
Ber us
Homewood
5/28/11
X
X
X
X
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
8/27/12
x
x
x
x
X
9/24/12
X
X
X
X
X
10/22/12
X
X
X
X
X
11/26/12
X
X
X
X
X
12/17/12
X
X
X
X
X
1/28/13
X
o/c
X
X
X
2/25/13
X
X
X
X
X
Elias
3/25/13
o/c
x
o/c
x
X
4/22/13
x
x
x
x
0
6/3/13
X
X
X
X
X
6/24/13
x
o/c
z
o/c
X
7/22/13
o/c
x
x
x
X
9/23/13
x
X
X
X
o/c
10/28/13
X
X
X
X
X
12/30/13
O/C
X
O/C
X
X
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)