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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2018 (FY18) May 21, 2018 Iowa City City Council City of Iowa City 410 Washington St Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Community Police Review Board Annual Community Forum The Iowa City Community Police Review Board (CPRB) held the annual Community Forum on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Board Members at the forum were Orville Townsend Sr. (Chair), Donald King (Vice-Chair), Monique Green and David Selmer. Royceann Porter was absent. Staff present were; Legal Counsel Patrick Ford, Staff Chris Olney and Kellie Fruehling. Guest speakers were Iowa City Police Chief Jody Matherly and Community Liaison Officer Colin Fowler. The forum opened with roll call and an introduction of board members. Chair Townsend read a brief summary of the board’s duties and responsibilities. The Chair then introduced Chief Matherly. Chief Matherly presented an overview of the police department which includes four new officers for a total of 86 sworn officers. Chief Matherly also spoke on the department and community working together to reduce the crime rate and number of arrests. Chief Matherly introduced the new Community Liaison Officer Colin Fowler. Chief Matherly noted the addition of a nighttime Liaison Officer in the near future. Officer Fowler spoke on his responsibilities and how it relates to the community. He also spoke on the interactions of the police department with diverse groups, business owners and homeless population. Chair Townsend then opened the forum to the public. The following appeared: Harry Olmstead who addressed vehicles blocking handicap sidewalk ramps and need for enforcement, Joe Coulter who spoke about opioids and fentanyl crisis in the US and local reactions, Megan Alter spoke about reestablishing trust between the community and the police, Angela Winnike spoke of her position as night mayor and its relationship with the night businesses. At the conclusion of comments from the public, the Chair thanked the audience for their input and announced that there were informational pamphlets on the back table. Meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m. Orville Townsend, Chair Community Police Review Board (Transcriptions are available at ICgov.org)