HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 22 21 TRC Agenda and PacketAD HOC TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, July 22, 2021
Electronic Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM
ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by
COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z1lKoUxcSB2o-XLnk7tQlA
via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page and submit the required information.
Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked
for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also
be included in the email. Enter the password when prompted.
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may call in by
telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting or webinar ID. The ID
number for this meeting is: 923 5355 5433.
Once connected, you may dial *9 to "raise your hand," letting the meeting host know you would
like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option.
AGENDA:
1. CALLTO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM JULY 8, 2021
4. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Commentators shall address
the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with the public concerning said items).
5. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS *10-15 MINUTES
6. BUDGET UPDATES – ACTION PLAN FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING *10-15 MINUTES
7. REVISIT THE TRC’S MISSION & THE FRAMEWORK USED TO COMPLETE WORK
*15-20 MINUTES
8. UPDATE ON FUTURE MEETINGS AND DISCUSSION *5-10 MINUTES
9. COMMUNITY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
A. EXCLUDED WORKERS FUND UPDATES
B. INCREASING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
C. THE BAN ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY
10. COMMISSION ANNOUCEMENTS (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one
another concerning said announcements).
11. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
*The times listed in the agenda are the anticipated duration of that particular agenda item. The actual
discussion may take more or less time than anticipated.
If you will need a disability-related accommodation to participate in this meeting please contact the
Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests
are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your accessibility needs.
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact
Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022, stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to
allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
JULY 22, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS
AGENDA ITEM #2
• LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
AGENDA ITEM #3
• DRAFT MINUTES FROM JULY 8, 2021 MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM #5
• RFP EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS
AGENDA ITEM #9
• APPENDIX
July 8, 2021
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Minutes
(Electronic) Zoom Platform
Regular Meeting
Commissioners present: Amel Ali, Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Eric Harris, Clifton Johnson, Kevin
Rivera, Sikowiss, Mohamed Traore.
Commissioners not present: Daphney Daniel.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
(Electronic Meeting Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff, and the public presented by
COVID-19.
Meeting called to order: 7:07
Approval of Minutes from the March 4, 2021, June 10, 2021, and June 24, 2021: Staff will go back and
listen to audio of the meeting of June 10, to note proper Commissioner remarks and then update those
minutes accordingly. Motion by Gathua to approve all minutes, seconded by Harris. Motion passes 8-0.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: None.
Discussion of Land Acknowledgement: The Land Acknowledgement has been updated to fix a few typos.
Motion by Rivera, seconded by Ali to approve the Land Acknowledgement for implementation at the
August 5 meeting date subject to the approval of the Human Rights Commission at its next meeting.
Motion passed 8-0.
National Night Out/Discussion on Truth Telling: Commissioners went over the following terms:
Forensic Truth: used to gather evidence, to establish 'what happened', to reveal secrets,
create a culture of accountability; often includes gathering information, legal/liability
considerations, investigations, oaths, testimony. This type of truth-engagement is
especially important when there has been gas-lighting, dis/misinformation, or
secrecy. The purpose is to reveal truth, what has been hidden, distorted, and to make
it known and public. Often includes investigators, lawyers, law experts; tone is more
formal.
Narrative Truth: used for sharing personal stories and experiences, of making public
what has been a painful or harmful personal experience; "victim-centered" - often
the focus is on healing, the public acknowledgement of pain, validation - offering care
and compassion. Usually supported by therapists, trauma specialists, public health
professionals, faith/ traditional leaders.
Dialectic or dialogue-truth: used to exchange truths, to share truths, to learn more
through stories, filling in gaps, broadening understanding, co-creating a more
complex and honest collective narrative; well-facilitated public dialogues and town
meetings can serve this purpose. This may be the kind of forum that Mohammed is
envisioning. Take-aways could include recommendations for the commission. The
point isn't tearing down, proving someone is wrong, or debating; focus is on dynamic
shifts taking place between people as they share the truth of their experience, using
collective energy to move forward in constructive ways, co-editing the past, and co-
authoring the future. Mediators, group facilitators, folks like DCP are perfect for these
settings.
Restorative truth: here the emphasis is on deep listening, where people come
together because they really want to learn, to grow, to heal, and to transform
relationships and ways of relating. Tone is very intentional, careful, even gentle.
Here, asking for forgiveness, saying I'm sorry, and the initial steps toward
reconciliation might take place. Processes are often done in circles and can include
rituals (see Indigenous practices). Again, facilitators should include mental/spiritual
health experts.
Moral truth: used in South Africa; "victims" wanted to know why someone did what they did vs. what they did; they sought explanation (even if there wasn't a good one);
giving them a chance to face perpetrators (individuals and the State); outcomes can
be powerful, giving individuals/communities a chance to re-claim power and dignity.
Tone is pain, indignation, hurt, shock, anger - sometimes release. Must also be
supported by specialists, process can be one of churning, so knowing how to manage those dynamics is critical.
The two that stick out the most are the narrative truth and the dialectic or dialogue truth but different
sessions maybe different. The Commission may set up a truth telling session not on National Night Out but
maybe on another day of that week in the South District. National Night Out will be held on August 3 from
6-8 PM at Wetherby Park. The Commission will discuss questions at its next meeting after the
subcommittee has met and discussed potential questions.
Budget Subcommittee Update: The Commission discussed stipends and back pay for its members. Persons
who previously served on the Commission will receive a stipend for the time that they served. Each past
member will receive $500 per meeting or $3000 with the exception of Navarre Jackson who will receive
$3500 because she participated in seven meetings. Members of the Commission that still serve will also
receive back pay for their participation prior to the Commission being paused from March 4 to April 20. All
current members moving forward will receive $500 per meeting starting from April 20.
The operational budget also includes the cost to hire a social media manager and a videographer. A
strategic planner contractor was removed from the budget at this time. A motion by Ali to approve the
operational budget through December 2021 with knowledge that the Commission may edit it, seconded
by Harris. Motion passes 8-0.
The Commission will approve a news release to announce their operational budget at their meeting of July
22.
Meeting Date Discussion on Whether on Zoom or In-person: The Commission prefers to continue to offer
a virtual participation option for their meetings for the community. Also cited to support a virtual option
for the public is the higher rate of COVID-19 infections in persons of color, and the convenience of not
needing child care if have the option of virtual participation. Staff will check to see if meetings can
continue to be live streamed for the community when meeting laws require Commission members to
meet back in person.
Community Topics for Discussion: Commissioners discussed the various bans on critical race theory arising
in states across the country including in Iowa.
There was also mention of a bill being drafted to address confederate monuments in the state of Iowa and
the need to remove them. The Commission discussed creating a subcommittee on political engagement.
The South District Neighborhood Association has been trying to pass a SMID for the last few years.
Commission Announcements: Traore thanked his fellow Commissioners for a productive meeting and
noted he looks forward to working together moving forward. Sikowiss encouraged others to follow the
Great Plains Action Society on Facebook to stay up to date on events and to learn more about legislative
action initiatives.
Staff Announcements: None.
Adjourn: 10:27 PM
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2021
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP. 4/15 4/29 5/13 5/27 6/10 6/24 7/8 7/22 8/5 8/19 9/2 9/16 9/30 10/7
Ali 6/22 X X X X X X X
Daniel 6/22 X X X X X X X
Dillard 6/22 X X X X O X X
Gathua 6/22 X X X X X X X
Johnson 6/22 X X X X X X X
Harris 6/22 O X X X X X X
Nobiss 6/22 X O X X X X X
Rivera 6/22 X X X X X X X
Traore 6/22 X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
July 19, 2021
Request for Proposal: #22-29, Facilitator for the Ad Hoc Truth and
Reconciliation Commission
Background
On June 15, 2021 Request for Proposal: #22-29, Facilitator for the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission was
posted to the City of Iowa City’s website. Proposers were required to submit all questions and clarifications regarding the
Request for Proposal by July 8, 2021, noon (local time). Each proposer was required to submit a proposal by 2:30 p.m.
(local time) on July 14, 2021.
In addition, proposers were required to submit the following items:
Item A – Submittal Letter:
Provide a statement of why your firm believes itself to be the best qualified to perform the engagement. Include the name
and contact information for the Project Manager. The letter must be signed by an officer of the Vendor or a designated
agent empowered to bind the firm in the contract offer.
Item B - Proposed Project Work and Implementation Plan
This should include a detailed narrative or work plan for describing the approach to this project. Include a project task
schedule with timelines, approach to the facilitation of the TRC, and hours provided.
Item C – Price Schedule
Provide a proposed budget of every aspect of the project including estimated hours required and desired compensation.
Outline your expected fees and schedule of payments. Standard disbursement of costs will be billable to the City of Iowa
City, if reasonable and approved for this type of project. All billable hours including client meetings and site visits should
be included in a time and materials not-to-exceed fee.
The City is not responsible for the vendor’s failure to provide information and pricing on required items. In this instance,
the prices submitted will prevail as the proposal price for all required equipment, materials, labor, travel, delivery and
shipping fees.
Item D – References:
Prove a completed Reference Form.
(Section Four) no other form will be accepted.
Item E – Company Information Form:
Complete and sign the Company Information Form.
(Section Five) no other form will be accepted.
Item F – Wage Theft Policy:
Review Section Six - Wage Theft Policy and complete the Wage Theft Affidavit form.
(Section Six) no other form will be accepted.
Item G – Contract Compliance Form: (to be completed by awarded vendor only)
Read and complete the contract compliance document in Section Eight. Provide a copy of your EEO policy.
(Section Eight) no other from will be accepted.
The Evaluation Committee will receive a proposal from the following proposer: Kearns & West
During the process of evaluation, all meetings, and all conversations by the committee will be confidential. No member
shall communicate or answer any questions from individuals outside of the Evaluation Committee. All questions,
including proposer inquiries, should be directed to the Purchasing Division, and the selected proposer has been officially
announced by the Purchasing Division. It may develop that members of the committee will not always arrive at the same
conclusions. A consensus meeting may or may not be required. If a consensus meeting is required, the committee will
discuss any individual differences as best as possible, which may include requests for additional material. The resulting
discussions or materials may bring a consensus or each member may retain his/her independent thinking for his/her rating
which will be averaged with the other evaluations.
Items of question will be brought before the entire committee. Contact with the proposer will be conducted through the
Purchasing Division and responses will be presented either verbally to the committee by the proposer, or in writing to the
committee. The Purchasing Division will coordinate all appointments between the proposer and the committee for those
questions requiring a verbal response. The Purchasing Division will also coordinate all schedules for submission of those
questions requiring a written response.
Evaluation Points
All proposals submitted stand alone and will be evaluated on their own merits in terms of meeting the City’s
requirements, terms and conditions, and overall responsiveness to the Request for Proposal. Proposers shall be accorded
fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of proposals. During the course, of the
discussions, the evaluation committee shall not disclose any information derived from one proposal to any other proposer.
The evaluation committee reserves the right to request the proposer to provide additional information during this process.
Each committee member is required to complete the evaluation charts for each proposer which contains the categories and
the points associated with each category for each phase. As the committee members review the submitted proposals and
assign points to the categories, each committee member shall provide written documentation in support of his/her decision
(see comments section on the evaluation charts). Upon completion of the evaluation process for each phase, each
committee member will submit his/her scores to the Purchasing Department and the scores will be averaged for each
proposer.
Evaluations are due by noon on August 6, 2021.
The Purchasing Department will provide the evaluation committee with the scoring results from Phase One. Proposers
must score a minimum of 80 points to move onto phase two. Scores will be averaged for each proposer and then
totaled to arrive at a final score.
The following tables list the maximum points associated with each category:
Phase One – Point Category Assigned Points
Experience 35
Experience with similar projects
Key personnel expertise
Proposed Project Timeline 30
Pricing Schedule 35
Total Points Phase One 100
Phase Two – Point Category Assigned Points
Interview/Presentation 25
References 25
Total Points for Phase Two 50
Total Points for Phase One and Phase Two 150
Final scoring will be based on the submitted proposals, follow-up questions, applicable interviews and any additional
information that was gathered during the evaluation process. After final scoring and a recommendation for award has
been submitted to the Purchasing Division, the recommendation and a document for signature approval will be routed to
the appropriate City staff, after approval from City Council (if applicable). After signature approval has been received, the
Purchasing Division will contact the proposer that has been recommended for award and secure the required documents to
proceed with award.
I have read the evaluation instructions and understand how to proceed with the evaluation of each proposal.
Signature Date
Appendix
• Johnson County Coalition pushing county governments to distribute federal COVID funding
• Local groups push Johnson County governments on excluded worker fund
• Survey shows local immigrants suffering more from pandemic
• Advocates target Iowa City as 'proving area' for grants to undocumented immigrant workers
o "The robotic voice comes on the line every week, telling her the call will be recorded for
quality assurance.
In her Iowa City apartment, where a Honduran flag adorns a white wall, 28-year-old
Sindy Zapata Torres hangs up the phone. She knows what will follow if she stays on the
line. A debt collector will jump on the call, just like all the others for the last five months,
reminding her that she still owes $2,700 in medical bills."
• Iowa one of only 11 states which hasn't requested American Rescue Plan allocations yet
• *** Excluded Workers Survey - Iowa Catholic Worker House