HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-16 CorrespondenceItem Number: 3.
J une 16, 2020
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
C orrespondence
Kellie Fruehling
From: Susan Manuel <smanuelrn@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 1:03 PM
To: Council
Subject: Demands of the Iowa Freedom Fighters must be met S
(Date)
ARI
Dear Mayor and City Councilors,
I rarely write to authorities and instead pontificate to my friends and family at home. But I need to write to you now and
ask you to meet the demands as best you can of our protesters for Black Lives Matter.
Hearing the demand to defund the police sounded scary to me. I didn't exactly know what that meant. As a white
woman, I am nervous to change how the system works for ME. I have never been afraid of the police and have felt
comfort knowing they are there for me if I am in an accident (I was assisted by a great IC police officer in a terrible
accident) or if I ever felt my life was in danger (which I fortunately never have). But I understand now, I feel this way
because I am white. I have never experienced the unjust bias of an entire nation, much less one policeman or police
department. The stories I have heard over the last couple of weeks about black people being pulled over for no reason
and that they fear for their life every time, have been horrifying. This needs to change now.
I am a nurse, a mother, a wife. I thought I was anti racist. I love everyone and try to treat everyone equally. But that is
not enough if I stay silent. I don't like property being damaged, I don't especially approve of graffitti. But these are just
things, property, not human lives that are being destroyed. We need to be outraged by lives being destroyed. Not
property.
I looked over the list of demands. They are reasonable, but I know it will take great effort to implement. So, we had
better get started now.
Thank you for listening.
Susan Manuel
63 Arbor Hill Circle
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319-321-1623
Cin
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com> Late handouts Dlstributea
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 2:29 PM
To: Council; Tracy Sargeant
Subject: NYPD Cop Who Kneeled At Protest Apologizes To Fellow Officers V—
(Date)
Does make me wonder just what his values are?
https: //protect-us.mimecast.com/s/tZQDCYEZPDUXilkUob3pn?domain=huffpost. com
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent:
Thursday, June 11, 2020 3:51 PM
To:
Council; Community Police Review Board
Subject:
Iowa City Policing
Attachments:
2nd Letter.docx; ATT00001.htm
A
RISK
1401 Burry Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
June 11, 2020
Mayor Teague, Councilors, Members of the CPRB:
S
Late Handouts Distributed
(e — ) 5 - D -p
(Date)
This letter is a reaction to the statement on Black Lives Matter movement and commitment to change that was released by the City
Manager to the general community on June 10. 1 have several comments/questions that I would like you to take under consideration
as you move forward in the weeks ahead on the topic of policing in Iowa City:
1. it is clear from Mr. F ruin's letter that he sees himself as the individual assigned to the duty of seeing that local
government proactively addresses racial inequities. I disagree with this assessment of his role, believing it should instead be those
we elect to office, in coordination with those appointed to the CPRB and interested community members.
2. There is something systemically wrong in the role he plays, to the exclusion of the Council, the community, and the CPRB in
overseeing the ICPD and assuring that it is policing as the community desires, not as the City Manager desires. Why, for example, do
the 'values of the Police Department come from the City Manager and the Police Chief'? I have lived in Iowa City for 35 of the past
48 years and I know there have been both City Managers and Chiefs of Police that left much to be admired.
3. Mr. Fruin may not know it, but we have officers past and present on the ICPD force who have lied to grand juries, tailed innocent
people, used unnecessary force to subdue and arrest individuals, and engaged in less than savory personal behavior.
4. Before we have 'inclusive, community -wide forums for all voices', we need a working group of people charged with the duty of
making concrete, recommended proposals for changes to the way the community is policed. Community -wide forums can then
address those proposals.
5. Nowhere in his statement does Mr. Fruin address why the 'phenomenal officers' followed the order of someone, I assume the
acting Chief of Police, to dress up in full riot gear regalia and confront protestors wearing shorts and tee-shirts and carrying signs
declaring that Black Lives Matter. Nowhere in his statement does Mr. Fruin tell us unequivocally whether or not it was members of
the ICPD who through tear gas into the crowd for dispersal purposes on that night. It has been over a week and it is still not known
who was responsible for such a drastic retaliatory measure.
6. Mr. Fruin does not address what the 'credible threat' was that led to the ICPD, the Sheriff's office - which called out the MRAP it
acquired several years ago, the State Patrol, the Coralville Police Department, and likely other agencies unknown at this time, to
believe that Iowa City was going to undergo such a formidable assault on its environs by people protesting the murder of George
Floyd.
Thank you,
(Signature)
Carol deProsse
1401 Burry Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
June 11, 2020
Mayor Teague, Councilors, Members of the CPRE:
This letter is a reaction to the statement on Black Lives Matter
movement and commitment to change that was released by the City
Manager to the general community on June 10. 1 have several
comments/questions that I would like you to take under consideration
as you move forward in the weeks ahead on the topic of policing in
Iowa City:
1. it is clear from Mr. F ruin's letter that he sees himself as the
individual assigned to the duty of seeing that local government
proactively addresses racial inequities. I disagree with this assessment
of his role, believing it should instead be those we elect to office, in
coordination with those appointed to the CPRB and interested
community members.
2. There is something systemically wrong in the role he plays, to the
exclusion of the Council, the community, and the CPRB in overseeing
the ICPD and assuring that it is policing as the community desires, not
as the City Manager desires. Why, for example, do the 'values of the
Police Department come from the City Manager and the Police Chief'? I
have lived in Iowa City for 35 of the past 48 years and I know there have
been both City Managers and Chiefs of Police that left much to be
admired.
3. Mr. Fruin may not know it, but we have officers past and present on
the ICPD force who have lied to grand juries, tailed innocent people,
used unnecessary force to subdue and arrest individuals, and engaged
in less than savory personal behavior.
4. Before we have `inclusive, community -wide forums for all voices', we
need a working group of people charged with the duty of making
concrete, recommended proposals for changes to the way the
community is policed. Community -wide forums can then address those
proposals.
5. Nowhere in his statement does Mr. Fruin address why the
`phenomenal officers' followed the order of someone, I assume the
acting Chief of Police, to dress up in full riot gear regalia and confront
protestors wearing shorts and tee-shirts and carrying signs declaring
that Black Lives Matter. Nowhere in his statement does Mr. Fruin tell us
unequivocally whether or not it was members of the ICPD who through
tear gas into the crowd for dispersal purposes on that night. It has been
over a week and it is still not known who was responsible for such a
drastic retaliatory measure.
6. Mr. Fruin does not address what the 'credible threat' was that led to
the ICPD, the Sheriff's office - which called out the MRAP it acquired
several years ago , the State Patrol, the Coralville Police Department,
and likely other agencies unknown at this time, to believe that Iowa
City was going to undergo such a formidable assault on its environs by
people protesting the murder of George Floyd.
Thank you,
(Signature)
Carol deProsse
_*:�3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:56 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin;janet.lyness@co johnson.ia.us; Rod Sullivan; Lisa Green -Douglass;
rporter@cojohnson.ia.us; Janelle Rettig; pheiden@co johnson.ia.us; Lonny Pulkrabek; Bill
Campbell Late Handouts Distributed
Subject: From the June 13, 2020 LA Times
ARIK(Date)
I hope you folks read national newspapers, they are very helpful in increasing awareness about what other governments
do.
Mass arrests but not charges. Faced with growing criticism over the arrests of hundreds of peaceful
demonstrators, top Los Angeles law enforcement officials said Sunday they would not pursue criminal
or financial penalties against the protesters. Attorneys also called for the arrest records to be
destroyed.
:WS
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2020 7:52 AM
To: Community Police Review Board; Council; Geoff Fruin; Bill Cam bell
Subject: Weapons against protestors Late Handouts Distributed
to-ls_�
Irl (Date)
Please read this article and then take time to tell me (which I know you won't because you never reply to anything
citizens write) how in God's name you want our local law enforcement armed with, among other weapons, rubber
bullets. I hope you have also read articles about what tear gas does to the lungs and other organs of the the body if
inhaled in sufficient quantity. Kind of like the novel coronavirus ...
https://www.nVtimes,com/2020/06/12/hea Ith/protests-rubber-bullets-beanbag.htmI
#3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2020 7:54 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Community Police Review Board; Bill Campbell
Subject: Please read, enlighten yourselves today
Late Handouts Distributed
https://www. nytimes.com/2020/06/12/us/paintball-george-flood-protests.htmI (Date)
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2020 7:57 AM
To: Council; Community Police Review Board; Bill Campbell
Subject: Side Note
(Date)
If you don't have a subscription to the NYT you can read it on-line though your library card.
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 8:28 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Community Police Review Board
Subject: Reuters: Black Americans disproportionately die in police Taser confrontations
Late Handouts Distributed
(Date)
► s-- -a-o
This article will help instruct as to why tasers are a lethal weapon. For years police dealt with people without using them.
Why do they need them now? Also, previous article discussed the vileness of rubber bullets. Tear gas negatively affects
the respiratory system.
From Reuters News:
Black Americans disproportionately die in police Taser confrontations
As police confront protesters across the United States, they're turning to rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas and
other weapons meant to minimize fatalities.
42
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 3:56 PM
To: Eleanor M. Dilkes; Geoff Fruin; Council; Bill Campbell; Community Police Review Board
Subject: FOIA Request
Attachments: FOIA Request June 15, 2020.docx; ATT00001.htm
1
Attached. Print copy with my signature is being mailed.
1401 Burry Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
June 15, 2020
Custodian of Records, Iowa City, IA:
Late. Handouts Distributed
4:1 Is -
(Date)
Under the Iowa Open Records Law § 22.1 et seq., I am requesting copies of all electronic public records in
possession of the City of Iowa City that pertain to the Black Lives Matter protest on Wednesday June 3, 2020 at which
tear gas canisters were used against citizens. This request includes all electronic communications that originated out of,
or were received by the Iowa City Police Department in the days between May 27, 2020 and June 6, 2020, which
specifically contain the words "Black Lives Matter" "antifa" "credible threat" "threat" "white supremacy" "
swisher"
,
"shueyville", "terrorist or terrorists", "white supremacy", "bugaloo", and "proud boys".
If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed
$100.00. However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in
the public interest.
The Iowa Open Records Law requires a response time within ten to twenty business days. If access to the records
I am requesting will take longer than that time period, please contact me with information about when I might expect
copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.
If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the
information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.
We cannot adjust police policies and procedures unless we know what they are; the City of Iowa City has
committed itself to transparency in this matter and my request is made believing in this commitment they have made to
the taxpayers.
Sincerely,
1401 Burry Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
June 15, 2020
Custodian of Records, Iowa City, IA:
Under the Iowa Open Records Law § 22.1 et seq., I am requesting copies of all
electronic public records in possession of the City of Iowa City that pertain to the Black Lives
Matter protest on Wednesday June 3, 2020 at which tear gas canisters were used against
citizens. This request includes all electronic communications that originated out of, or were
received by the Iowa City Police Department in the days between May 27, 2020 and June 6,
2020, which specifically contain the words, 'Black Lives Matter", "antifa", "credible threat",
"threat", "white supremacy", "swisher", "shueyville", "terrorist or terrorists", "white
supremacy", "bugaloo", and "proud boys".
If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost
will exceed $100.00. However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the
disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest.
The Iowa Open Records Law requires a response time within ten to twenty business
days. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer than that time period, please
contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the
requested records.
If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel
justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to
me under the law.
We cannot adjust police policies and procedures unless we know what they are; the City
of Iowa City has committed itself to transparency in this matter and my request is made believing
in this commitment they have made to the taxpayers.
Sincerely,
Carol deProsse
319-400-8390
4k -3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Autumn Diesburg <autrd99@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 3:44 PM Late Handouts Distributed
To: Council
Subject: Defund the ICPD
10—►S—�
(Date)
Dear Mayor Teague, Mayor Pro Tem Salih, Councilor Bergus, Councilor Mims, Councilor Taylor, Councilor
Thomas, and Councilor Weiner:
I am writing you today to urge you to defund the ICPD and begin researching and creating a plan for long-
term restructuring of the police department. After the special council meeting in support of the Black Lives Matter
movement and the several Speak Up, Speak Out events hosted by Mayor Teague, Mayor Pro Tem Salih,
Supervisor Royceann Porter, North Liberty Councilor RaQuishia Harrington, and Pastor Anthony Smith, and
listening to numerous other black community members and national leaders who have spoken out, it is clear we
must radically restructure ourselves and our community, particularly as a majority white city and state, to make
all areas of life for black communities safe and equitable in Iowa City, the state of Iowa, and the United States.
Currently the proposed city budget allocates approximately $15.5 million to the Police Department — the
highest funding of any department in the city (FY 2021 Proposed Budget). The next closest department in funding
is Parks & Recreation at just under $10.5 million (FY 2021 Proposed Budget). What is this enormous allocation
of taxpayer dollars to the Police providing the community? Neighborhood & Development Services receive just
under $5.5 million dollars, a third of what the Police Department receives (FY 2021 Proposed Budget). I urge the
city council to deny the current proposed budget and reallocate the Police's budgeted money towards affordable
housing, equitable healthcare, mental health services, creating and holding accountable the hiring of city workers
that reflect the demographics of the community as Pro Tem Salih suggested, after-school programs, anti -racist
curriculum, supporting black -owned businesses, and funding for other social services. This reallocation of funds
supports the most vulnerable communities in Iowa City, which includes black communities, and in turn,
strengthens the entire community.
All the Best,
Autumn Diesburg
1
References
City of Iowa City, Iowa. (n.d.). FY2021 Proposed Budget FY2020 — FY2022 Financial Plan 2020-2024
Capital Improvement Plan. Finance resources and documents. https://www8.iowa-
city.org/WebLink/0/edoc/1927679/FY2021 %2OProposed%2OBudget•pdf.
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
To Whom it May Concern,
Malaika Frijmersum <malaikaf@gmail.com>
Thursday, June 11, 2020 4:42 PM
Council
Release and drop charges for Mazin Mohamedali
Late Handouts Distributed
(Date)
A young man by the name of Mazin Mohamedali is currently in Marshall Country jail for peacefully protesting. He was
arrested and booked on what seems to be a lot of exaggerated "misdemeanors." A Johnson County judge Monday
morning said "Mohamedali could be released on his own recognizance for the misdemeanor charges" yet he's still in jail.
This sounds more like racial profiling and arresting for the sake of arresting. Could you please ensure this young man is
released and charges dropped? No one else was arrested for protesting within this same group, so why only this young
man? This story is starting to get traction and global visibility so for the state of Iowa ... it would be great for you to do the
right thing and rectify this wrong.
Thank you in advance!
Malaika
4�3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Kathy Crawford <kathyuiowa25@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 5:00 PM
To: Council
Subject: Executive order or emergency meeting
(Date)
1
�r$Ix
Can the mayor and pro tem make an executive order to solve some of the Freedom riders requests.
Can you solve some of their requests or call an emergency meeting of council to meet to solve the problem that
exists. Perhaps just meet with the freedom riders in a zoom meeting and the public to resolve the situation
and only meet about that issue or compromising and nothing else.
I do not represent the organization but I do sympathize with their demands for justice for people. They really do not
want to protest anymore. They just want their voices heard and have some kind of solution. If you can organize a
meeting to be opened minded to their demands and have them come open minded as well then maybe you can reach a
resolution without vandalism or destruction of Iowa City.
Let them know what you are willing to do with their suggestions. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for
listening.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Crawford
319-383-5046
Kellie Fruehling
From: Mark McMullen <mcmullenmf@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 5:11 PM Late Handouts Distributed
To: Council
Subject: North Dubuque Street Closing
(Date)
ARI
To Council Members- I truly appreciate all the efforts you have been making to work through the protests occurring in
Iowa City. I agree with the concerns of those protesting while I certainly don't agree with the violence and destruction.
The ongoing issue of closing Dubuque Street to cut off access 1-80 is an issue to me. I live on White Oak Place near the
Peninsula Neighborhood. Foster Road to Dubuque Street is my artery to get to and from my job on a daily basis.
Continually opening and closing the gateway to our city based on threats of protest seems like a bad decision. I support
working with the protestors to come up with a plan to move forward to address their concerns while allowing citizens of
Iowa City and visitors to our city to enter freely.
Thank you,
Mark McMullen
5 White Oak Place
Iowa City
Kellie Fruehling
From: Sara Cross <crosser87@mchsi.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 5:58 PM
To: Geoff Fruin; Bill Campbell; Council
Subject: A note of appreciation for our police officers
(Date)
I just wanted to express my appreciation and support for our police officers. I think they are doing an
incredible job handling the delicate situation they are currently in.
And, even before these protests began, I've been impressed by our police officers. I had met with Chief
Matherly in 20ig and I know when he was hired, he immediately implemented a strategy to address
Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC). And now, as far as traffic stops go, the ICPD is at a i to 1 level for
citations. So, you are just as likely to get a citation if you are white or of color. (There is more information on
this on the ICPD website.) He also explained how our diversion program is looked at as a model.
I also know many IC Police Officers go above and beyond in helping our community -more so than the job calls
for. As just one example, Sergeant Kevin Bailey has fostered at least three African American boys. Two have
reached adulthood and have moved out and the youngest, Sean, asked Sergeant Bailey and his wife to adopt
him and they have. These people genuinely care.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and again, I just wanted to take this time to express my
gratitude for the service of our police officers.
Sincerely,
Sara and Alan Cross
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Iowa City Council,
Ian Wellington <ilwelli06@yahoo.com>
Friday, June 12, 2020 6:38 AM
Council
Iowa City Police
GE
Late Handouts Distributed
(Date)
I am not sure what discussions you have had about the police in our community but I wanted to let you know, most of us
do NOT support defunding police! We support our Iowa City Police department for what they do! They help the
community and make it a safer place. Anyone on the council who votes to defund police will not have my vote or the
vote of the majority of people in Iowa City. We are the silent majority and we may not be as loud publicly but we do go
out and vote and we wont vote for anyone who votes to make out community less safe which is what defunding police
will do. We want a strong police department and want them to be able to do their jobs with as many resources as they
can. Iowa City Police are good officers and we will not tolerate them being defunded or disbanded in any way.
I appreciate your time.
Ian
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
-1�3
Kellie Fruehlin
Late Handouts Distributea
From: Linda Welborn <lindakaywelborn@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 9:50 AM
To: Council
Subject: Protesters
(Date)
People from Southeast Iowa are NOT coming to your hospitals, colleges or shopping malls until u get
protestors off the interstate and under control! Absolutely ridiculous infringement on everyone else's rights!!
Sent from my iPhone
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Ashlee Johannes <johannesash@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 11:44 AM
To: Council
Subject: Concerns
� ►S—a-Q
Mayor Teague, Councilors, Members of the CPRB: (Date)
This letter is a reaction to the statement on Black Lives Matter movement and commitment to change that was
released by the City Manager to the general community on June io. Along with many members of our
community, I, too, have several comments/questions that I would like you to take under consideration as you
move forward in the weeks ahead on the topic of policing in Iowa City:
i. it is clear from Mr. F ruin's letter that he sees himself as the individual assigned to the duty of seeing that
local government proactively addresses racial inequities. I disagree with this assessment of his role, believing it
should instead be those we elect to office, in coordination with those appointed to the CPRB and interested
community members.
2. There is something systemically wrong in the role he plays, to the exclusion of the Council, the community,
and the CPRB in overseeing the ICPD and assuring that it is policing as the community desires, not as the City
Manager desires. Why, for example, do the `values of the Police Department come from the City Manager and
the Police Chief? I have lived in Iowa City for 35 of the past 48 years and I know there have been both City
Managers and Chiefs of Police that left much to be admired.
3. Mr. Fruin may not know it, but we have officers past and present on the ICPD force who have lied to grand
juries, tailed innocent people, used unnecessary force to subdue and arrest individuals, and engaged in less
than savory personal behavior.
4. Before we have `inclusive, community -wide forums for all voices', we need a working group of people
charged with the duty of making concrete, recommended proposals for changes to the way the community is
policed. Community -wide forums can then address those proposals.
5. Nowhere in his statement does Mr. Fruin address why the `phenomenal officers' followed the order of
someone, I assume the acting Chief of Police, to dress up in full riot gear regalia and confront protestors
wearing shorts and tee-shirts and carrying signs declaring that Black Lives Matter. Nowhere in his statement
does Mr. Fruin tell us unequivocally whether or not it was members of the ICPD who threw tear gas into the
crowd for dispersal purposes on that night. It has been over a week and it is still not known who was
responsible for such a drastic retaliatory measure.
6. Mr. Fruin does not address what the `credible threat' was that led to the ICPD, the Sheriffs office - which
called out the MRAP it acquired several years ago, the State Patrol, the Coralville Police Department, and likely
other agencies unknown at this time, to believe that Iowa City was going to undergo such a formidable assault
on its environs by people protesting the murder of George Floyd.
I look forward to you addressing these concerns.
Ashlee Johannes
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Mark Brinkman <vmc.mark@gmail.com>
Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 12:56 PM
To: Council
Subject: Something to Consider before meeting protest demands C-:�-®
(Date)
i
To Iowa City Council Members,
I am not an Iowa City resident but visit, shop, eat at restaurants and contribute to the local economy of the city while
supporting many businesses. I am not opposed to peaceful protests. However, I am disappointed with the defacing of
property by the graffiti that was spread throughout the downtown area and places where the people congregated.
There were some very derogatory words spray painted on buildings near the Iowa City Police Department.
Now the city is left with cleaning up the mess left behind. How about in exchange for meeting the demands of the
protesters, the city and the protesters work together to clean up the graffiti. There is a place to voice your opinions, but
it is not on the Old Capitol Building, someone's personal business or university property.
People protested because they are offended by societal opinions. I was offended by the lack of respect for people's
property, language of graffiti and where graffiti was sprayed. Respect must go both ways.
Before the City of Iowa City accepts all of the demands of the protesters, make them help the city clean up the mess
they left behind.
Respectfully,
Mark Brinkman
Williamsburg, Iowa
CE
Kellie Fruehling
From: Sarah Outterson-Murphy <sutterson@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 1:10 PM Late Handouts Distributed
To: Council
Subject: Police dept reforms
� (Date)
�Is�
Dear City Council,
Thank you for conducting a session this week on responding to Black Lives Matter protestors. I especially appreciated
hearing Mayor Teague, Ms. Salih, and Ms. Bergus in strong support of Black Lives Matter. I strongly agree with investing
more money in black communities in Iowa City and reducing the amount of money going to police departments.
However, I was very surprised to hear several of you talking about 8 Can't Wait, a list of suggested police reforms that
was actually not part of any protestors' demands at all. I don't think it's a good idea to focus on these reforms for the
simple reason that they don't work. Here is an article on the topic, but I'll give you a summary: Many police departments
around the country already have many or most of these policies in place, and yet they are still killing black people.
Louisville PD killed Breonna Taylor despite already having a "warning before shooting" policy (one of the 8 on the list).
Cleveland PD already had the same policy when they killed Tamir Rice on videotape several years ago. And Minneapolis
PD already had a "duty to intervene" policy (another one of the 8 on the list) that did not stop the 3 officers watching
Derek Chauvin kill George Floyd. So with all that in mind, please don't focus on the 8 Can't Wait. Instead, please actually
give us real reform that will 1) provide accountability for police officers, not new policies, 2) reduce the number of
people arrested 3) reduce the number of people incarcerated and 4) reinvest the money saved back into low -wealth
parts of our community.
In the last 40 years, our prison population has ballooned compared to what it was before the War on Drugs began, and it
is ridiculously larger per capita than any other country in the world. The only one that comes close is Putin's Russia, and
even that doesn't have as high a rate of imprisonment as we do. There are now 5 times as many people in prison as
there were in 1980, and over 5 times as many people per capita in prison as in England or even China! That is truly
insane and unhealthy. This is not the time for reforms. This is the time to stop sending people to prison and figure out
how to deal with people as we would deal with our own sister or brother or child if they had a problem. For more
specifics, please see the list from https://www.8toabolition.com/.
Sincerely,
Sarah Outterson-Murphy
43
Kellie Fruehling
From: Kelcey Patrick -Ferree <kelcey.patrickferree@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 6:09 PM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin Late Handouts Distributed
Subject: Wetherby Park Renaming
(Date)
ARI�IK
Dear City Council members and Mr. Fruin:
I am a resident of the South District and active in the South District Neighborhood Association. I am writing right now
only to share my personal opinion with you; I haven't had a chance to speak to many neighbors about this.
I have supported most of the demands that I have seen from the Iowa Freedom Riders and agree that to the extent they
were not already in place, they are overdue and will benefit the whole city. That said, I was distressed to see that one of
the demands is yet another example of people from outside the South District trying to impose their will on those of us
who live here (my understanding is that none of the IFR leaders are South District residents, and that they haven't really
spoken to anyone here about their ideas for our park). I don't object to renaming Wetherby Park, necessarily; I have no
particular attachment to Isaac Wetherby. But I strongly object to this being done in a fashion that excludes the voices of
those of us whose park it is, particularly those who live nearest to the main park entrance along Taylor, Burns, and
Sandusky. Please give the residents of the South District a way to weigh in. Maybe everyone will love it; maybe everyone
will hate it; maybe everyone will prefer to rename a street. I don't know. But please don't just ignore us (in, ironically
enough, the neighborhood that includes the highest concentration of Black people in the city, Census Tracts 18.01 and
18.02) in favor of what outsiders are demanding.
Warm regards,
Kelcey
And biannual time changes must be abolished. #LockTheClock
Kellie Fruehling
From: Elisa Hernandez Perez <elisa.hdez88@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 8:00 AM
To: Council
Subject: Re: On abolishing the police
I
RISK
Dear members of the Iowa City City Council,
W
Late Handouts Distributed
(Date)
I'd like to follow this up with some reading recommendations related to why #8cantwait is not nearly enough what is
needed and why police abolition, and not reform, should be the goal:
- Mariame Kaba's NYT op-ed, Yes, We Mean Literally Abolish the Police
An interview with Alex Vitale on Jacobin
Alex Vitale's book, The End of Policing, is actually available as a free ebook right now.
Thank you for your attention,
Dr. Elisa Hernandez Perez
On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 6:39 PM Elisa Hernandez Perez <elisa.hdez88(a)gmail.com> wrote:
Dear members of the Iowa City City Council,
We are Iowa City residents and we are perplexed by the news reported by The Gazette today, Monday June 8, of the
arrest of Mazin Mohamedali. He is being accused by the police "of joining hundreds of others fsicl protesters in
blocking multiple roadways, including Dubuque Street and Foster Road, preventing their use. Police also
accused the protesters of vandalizing property, like roads, street signs, and buildings."
This arrest is a very obvious retaliatory action by the Iowa City police and it does nothing but prove the protesters'
point: police departments are not serving and protecting anyone else but themselves and need to be reigned in
immediately. As they believe themselves to stand above the law, their function is now distorted and at this point they
do more harm than good. Police departments and unions, and the culture they foster are beyond redemption.
We highly encourage all members of the Iowa City City Council to consider drastically defunding the police department
and redirecting those funds towards housing, care and community self -governance.
Thank you for your attention.
- Dr. Elisa Hernandez Perez and Dr. Matthew Blackwell
-44--3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Isabelle Bach <isbac21@icstudents.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 6:31 PM Late Handouts Distribute
To: Council; Bruce Teague
Subject: Demanding change to ensure the safety of Iowans
Dear Iowa City Officials, (Date)
My name is Isabelle Bach, and I am a resident of Iowa City, Iowa. I am writing to insist that the City Council
adopts a budget for the people --one that prioritizes community wellbeing and redirects funding away from the
police.
I am asking that the Iowa City Council make a more overt and visible commitment to racial justice. I urge you
to pressure the City Manager's Office towards an ethical and equal reallocation of the city's expenditures, away
from the Iowa City Police Dept. and towards sectors that facilitate the dismantling of racial and class
inequality.
Research shows that a living wage, access to holistic health services and treatment, educational opportunity,
and stable housing are far more successful at promoting community safety than police or prisons (Source:
Popular Democracy). As such, I demand more aggressive financial support to be directed to those areas.
Furthermore, I am outraged at the excessive use of force used against protesters. Officers with the Iowa State
Patrol and the Iowa City Police Dept. used chemical munitions against protesters, which is unethical and
prohibited for use in warfare by many international treaties. I am calling on you to seriously reduce city
funding our police department.
Thank you for your time,
Isabelle Bach
isbaC21@icstudents.org
(319) 621-9945
This is a student email account managed by the Iowa City Community School District.
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Samantha Mitchell <sugarsamnolia@yahoo.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:49 PM
To: Council
Subject: Defund the ICPD
(Date)
Defund the ICPD. We do not need them, we need more mental health and community services.
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Cecelia Proffit <cecelia.proffit@gmail.com>
Sunday, June 14, 2020 10:10 AM
murley.stephen@iowacityschools.org; degner.matt@iowacityschools.org;
kortemeyer.amy@iowacityschools.org; ramey.chace@iowacityschools.org;
finger.leslie@iowacityschools.org; proud.nick@iowacityschools.org;
pedersen.kristin@iowacityschools.org; schumacher.diane@iowacityschools.org;
gray.laura@iowacityschools.org; tabor Jeremy@iowacityschools.org;
vanhemert.duane@iowacityschools.org; daily.lora@iowacityschools.org;
demory.aIison@iowacityschooIs.org; glenn.1isa@iowacityschools.org;
callahan.kate@iowacityschools.org; kurth.adam@iowacityschools.org
Council
Improvements to our School District
Late Handouts Distributed
(Date)
My husband and I live in Iowa City with our young child, and are looking forward to someday sending her to school in
the ICCSD, along with any future children we may have. I am writing to encourage the implementation of certain
improvements to our school district so that by the time my child is old enough to attend it will be even better and safer
than it currently is.
I support the demands of the Iowa Freedom Riders to divest from the ICPD and not call the department to act as security
resource officers, leading to the complete removal of security resource officers from public schools. Police do not make
our schools safer, especially for Black and brown children. There are other solutions we can look into for security.
I also agree that Iowa City schools should put Afro studies and race relations in their curriculum, and that we should
implement an actively anti -racist curriculum. There are several excellent options available; The Zinn Education Project
(https://www.zinnedpro6ect.org) is one that jumps immediately to mind. Teaching for Change and Rethinking Schools
are other good options, and I'm sure you're aware of even more excellent curricula that could be implemented into our
schools. Ensuring that my child receives a well-rounded, non -whitewashed history is of the utmost importance to me.
I also support the demands for an alternative school review board process for students who are being sent to alternative
schools, and for a more diverse school board that is representative of members of the community. I appreciate the
efforts that have been made towards these goals so far and am looking forward to seeing how we can improve even
more.
I'm not sure what sort of power the school board and/or City Council has over these next ideas, or if they've already
been implemented/aren't applicable in Iowa City, but just in case here are a few more things I'd like to see in Iowa City:
- Remove surveillance tech and metal detectors from all schools.
- Disconnect property taxes from school funding. It's completely unfair that the income of people in a certain area of our
community would determine the quality of the education children there receive. We can find a better solution.
- End school zero -tolerance disciplinary policies.
- End the use of carceral -lite punishment of students, including suspensions and expulsions, that disproportionately
target Black and brown students, especially Black girls.
Repeal truancy laws.
- Prohibit the surveillance of Black and brown students by their teachers, counselors, and school officials through
programs that criminalize students and exploit relationships of trust with school officials, including Countering Violent
Extremism/Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention.
- Invest in teachers and counselors, universal childcare, and support for all family structures.
- Invest in multilingual resources for immigrant and asylum -seeking communities.
I have written our local and state legislatures to pressure them to allocate more funding towards our schools as we work
to implement these solutions, and will continue to do so for as long as is necessary. I have cc'd the Iowa City Council on
this email as well. I appreciate the important and hard work you are doing, and am committed to supporting you as we
work to make our schools better and safer for all students.
Sincerely,
Cecelia Proffit
2)
Kellie Fruehling
From: Megan Alter <mearlyalter@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2020 2:15 PM
To: Council
Subject: Re -naming public areas
(Date)
RISK
Dear Council,
I am a South District resident and member of the SD Neighborhood Association. I understand that one of the demands
from IFR is to rename Wetherby Park to Black Lives Matter Park. I applaud the desire to have lasting public change from
monuments and names to deep and sweeping policy changes. Here, I am writing on the consideration of name changes.
I would offer up for consideration that before any name changes occur, the people in the South District, especially and
particularly the Black and brown people are asked if they want the park's name changed. Just as it matters that the
names of buildings, icons, and monuments get changed, it matters who is consulted and who has those rights to
demand change. IFR has the attention of elected officials and the City right now; they are working to effect speedy
change very visibly. I applaud many of their efforts. However, there are some troubling undercurrents at work, too.
Specifically, if the very people who live in the neighborhood do not have the agency to put their desires to officials, then
it undercuts the vision of change and the actual power of people who live in the South District. As you well know, this is
a neighborhood that has a predominance of POC residents. To not get their weigh-in is wrong. I am asking for Council to
take into account the very voices, perspectives, and opinions of people who have been historically ignored in City
history. There has been so much momentum and neighborhood -building in this area lately, so many people now coming
together to ask for --and demand --change that only listening to the voices of non -neighborhood residents, no matter
how well-intended--disempowers the bonds and potential for long-lasting relationships between the City and the SD
being forged right now. I am white; I do not mean to speak for my neighbors. Nor am I providing an opinion on the name
change --it really does not matter what I think about it. I simply want to voice my concern that too many people who
should be heard are in danger of being ignored again.
Thank you,
Megan Alter
South District Resident
143
Kellie Fruehling
From: Olivia Greiwe <ocgrubbs@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 1:27 PM Late Handouts Distributed
Subject: A Citizen's Request
(Date)
RISK
Hello!
I hope you are well, amidst the virus and protests. As a citizen of Iowa City, I would like to respectfully call for the
following:
The ICPD should drop charges related to protesting, especially for Mazin Mohamedali. The City should direct police
to deescalate their presence at protests. The City should drop harassing tickets issued to protestors for minor traffic
infractions. The City should investigate claims of harassment, tailing, disabled body cameras, and swatting against
protestors and order an end to all police operations targeted against individuals because of their role in the protests.
The County Attorney should use her discretion to REJECT charges related to protesting.
I understand the police and city's desire to keep everyone safe during protests, and I appreciate that.
However, the actions intended to dissuade folks from protesting and exercising their free speech needs to be
stopped.
God bless you,
Olivia Greiwe
Greek InterVarsity I Campus Staff
Iowa City, IA
_tt3
Kellie Fruehling
From: Kara Beauchamp <kmbeauchamp@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Council Late, Handouts Distributed
Subject: Please drop charges against protestors
(Date)
Dear members of the Iowa City council -
I hope we all can recognize at this point that the protests roiling our city and our country are not just about the killing of
George Floyd, but are mostly about the severe over -policing that the non-white community in the United States has
been subject to. I believe that the charges against the protestors, including those filed against Mazin Mahamadali, are
part of this severe over -policing.
I urge the city council to do whatever is within its power to have the charges against the protestors dropped. The impact
of these charges on the lives of the protestors is much more detrimental than that of the property damage for which
they have been charged. I believe that these charges are a vivid demonstration of the effect of our policing system on
non-white citizens. Mazin Mahamadali's life is at more risk now that he has been placed in jail without bond. Not even
the killer of George Floyd has been put in jail without bond. At a minimum, Mazin Mahamadali should be released from
jail on bond.
Sincerely,
Kara Beauchamp
1115 Prairie Du Chien Rd
Iowa City
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
AK
Dear Council members,
Renee Speh <reneespeh@gmail.com>
Monday, June 15, 2020 3:43 PM
Council
Black Lives Matter and Iowa Freedom Riders
Late, Handouts Distributed
(Date)
I am writing in support of the demands put upon you and other agencies by the Iowa Freedom Riders.
I also support the strong efforts you have made to meet with, listen to, and collaborate with them. Your presence and
communication is highly meaningful and powerful. Your community meetings provided a safe way for citizens of all
walks of life to make their voices heard.
Thank you for that.
I recognize that some of the requests are very challenging to meet. As an Iowa City resident I offer my support to help
that happen.
This moment is one of a paradigm shift in our broader culture. I believe it is critical that we rise to the occasion and meet
the longstanding needs of marginalized people in our community. I hope that these changes will also positively impact
Indigenous people, and other disenfranchised groups like those with disabilities, poor people, and other Black and
Brown people.
Thank you.
Renee Speh
3110 Juniper Dr, Iowa City, IA 52245
Jt3
Kellie Fruehlina
From: Eric Creach <ecreach@newpi.coop>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 1:54 AM Late Handouts Distributed
To: Council
Subject: Defund
The police (Date)
This email is from an external source.
-3
Kellie Fruehlina
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com> Late, Handouts Distributed
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 6:03 PM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Community Police Review Board; Bill Campbell
Subject: What N1 is doing
(Date)
New Jersey law enforcement agencies required to publish annual list of disciplined officers
https: //protect -us. mimecast. com/s/b H-SCO2m4Wtmwx2i l4_Wh?domain=cnn. com
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 8:47 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Bill Campbell; Community Police Review Board
Subject: The 96 U.S. Cities Where Protesters Were Tear -Gassed
Not something to be proud of, in my opinion. I hope you are not only reading the stuff I send, but are finding
other sources of information that will educate you on the systemic racism pervading police departments,
including mostly lily-white Iowa City's department.
https: //protect-us.mimecast. com/s/PeksCZ6gQEiYjJGSzwgYT?domain=nytimes.com
This email is from an external source.
Late, Handouts Distributed
Cc,r��—
(Date)
Kellie Fruehlina
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 9:12 AM Late Handouts Distributed
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Community Police Review Board; Bill Campbell
Subject: No, Shake Shack employees didn't poison any cops
(Date)
Lead-in paragraph to the following story: New York City police Unions made a big splash on
social media and local news by claiming that three officers had been "intentionally
poisoned" at a Manhattan Shake Shack. Guess what? It's not true.
https://www.dailykos.com/storv/2020/6/16/1953530/-No-Shake-Shack-emplovees-didn-t-poison-any cops
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 9:17 AM
To: Council; Community Police Review Board; Geoff Fruin; Bill Campbell
Subject: Get rid of qualified immunity
Late, Handouts Distributed
RISK - ► ^ �o
https://theintercept.com/2020/06/12/qualified-immunity-police-wayne-Tones/ (Date)
Kellie Fruehlin
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:33 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Bill Campbell; Community Police Review Board
Subject: Confessions of a Former Bastard Cop - Officer A. Cab - Medium
If I sent this earlier I apologize, but it was in my `DRAFT' box, which makes me inclined to think I did not.
https://protect-us. mimecast.com/s/tDFQCgxo4WtvvYoUZG2c3?domain=medium.com
This email is from an external source.
Late. Handouts Distributed
JP— I(P— --)-o
(Date)
Kellie Fruehling
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:38 AM
To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Community Police Review Board; Bill Campbell
Subject: Protester shot as New Mexico militia surrounded crowd taking down a conquistador
statue
Late Handouts Distributed
"Heavily armed militias".
These aren't antifa, protestors, etc. They are white supremacists.
(Date)
https: //protect-us.mimecast. com/s/89gyCZ6gQEiYYgzuzWCcR?domain=dailykos.Com
This email is from an external source.
Kellie Fruehlina
From: Dale Lewis <dale.dplewis.lewis@gmail.com> Late. Handouts Distributed
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:40 AM
To: Council; sups@cojohnson.ia.us
Subject: Protests
(Date)
ARI!S�X
I want to follow-up with some comments after the last city council meeting. Someone was critical of all the email she
received about vandalism. I'm not sure who is was as she didn't show her face. I am one of the people who emailed at
that point. No one thinks Mr. Floyd's death was justified. However, that does not excuse bad behavior. The cop was
arrested. People were concerned about their property. I wonder how council members like having the protestors
showing up at their home. That's the perspective your constituents had when vandalism was occuring.
The Iowa Freedom Riders need to use some tact. They should be making requests instead of demands. Someone
posted on Facebook terrorists and kidnapers make demands. Some of their demands are inappropriate. They are
either not coming from here or written by people with no understanding of government. (eg. asking Iowa City to deal
with Coralville's curfew)
I could not believe the council was entertaining making a recommendation to drop charges. Thankfully Ms. Mims and
Ms. Taylor were the voice of reason, saying they would like to see the charges before making any recommendation.
Say what you want, the flash bang devices and tear gas worked. There were 2 subsequent standoffs with law
enforcement and they didn't cross the line. After the arrest of a Iowa Freedom Riders leader (who has a criminal
record), I haven't heard anything about tagging.
I would suggest you broaden your perspectives and watch some video's from Jericho Green and Brandon Taylor. Both
are conservative black men. I hard never heard of either until recently. I will warn you Mr. Green uses colorful
language, but his point is spot on. One thing he says is it's not a BLM movement but CBLM. Certain Black Lives
Matter. Those shot by white cops. He talked about the weekend in Chicago where over 20 people were killed. Where
are the protests for that? You heard nothing in the media. Last week ABC news did an investigation about blacks vs.
whites and the police. What about the number of murders? Black males 6% of the population, 44% of the homicides.
Here is something posted on Facebook the other day:
1
The video's are posted below.
I choose to be optimistic and don't believe we aren't that far apart. I was amazed when I went to the Coralville Hyvee
during one of the protests. I've never seen so many black people in my life. I'm curious why they were not at the
protests. They were all older and would have grown up when things were much worse. My fear is the media and
others trying to divide races vs. everyone living in peace. My guess is those in Hyvee appreciate law enforcement and
want safe neighborhoods too.
Thank you.
Dale Lewis
Mr. Green suggests that what needs to be addressed is education and family.
Mr Green's Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLUJkI BKWWo&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR34Sfe27wzh P188CE9n4zOL-
cITObTEidulQgg8usE3uoEUk6TawWXdN4M
https://www.voutube.com/watch?v=b2vwct78m4Y&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR12zWU4bxVlJiSYSSxnnWzi7gr-iFOXH
UOk 4gJKPiKlg50-KzkknbX9k
2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixRmsodEMRw&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR38hT mboailJUScteLNTzEQVOsDdUTm
,g7hRz411O2c06E2N-tou019fSQ
Mr Tatum's videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVIhRvkT8kg&feature=share&fbclid=IwAROa4UYvGbkNv2ACDeclZA6fK-7dV-
CYwiD3WLUwDNJ118QNODhLm4Fd2 A
https://www.Voutube.com/watch?v=88-
dV9K cHE&feature=share&fbclid=lwAR116vZkWGa3mMOL8FTFeGHZplVgFbk3WG9mOsrPOL1aXWNoQ6sdFv6hQVA