HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 23 2024 HRCHuman Rights Commission
April 23, 2024
Regular Meeting – 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Agenda:
1. Call the meeting to order and roll call
2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of the March 4 and March 26, 2024, meeting minutes
4. Public comment on 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 or one another concerning said items)
5. Correspondence
6. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department
7. Support for a Community Transportation Committee
8. Funding Request: Coralville Asian Festival
9. Youth Awards – Wednesday, May 15
10. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant Updates FY23, FY24, FY25
11. Commission Committees
• Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya)
• Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Pries)
• Breaking Bread (Dr. Liz, Qaduora)
12. Staff Announcements
13. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion
with one another concerning said announcements)
14. Adjournment
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City-
sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable
accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office
of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org.
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Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
March 4, 2024 (Special Meeting)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Viana Qaduora, Roger Lusala,
Mark Pries, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon.
Commissioners on Zoom: None.
Commissioners absent: Sylvia Jons.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: Yes, two recommendations.
1.To fund the following 11 organizations at the requested amount for the Racial Equity and Social
Justice (RESJ) grant for fiscal year 2024.
2.Increase the RESJ grant by $50,000.00 in this grant cycle or the next
Meeting called to order: 5:36 PM.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant:
Eastern Iowa Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) - $3,000.00
Seen as important activities for the community, making an immediate impact. This organizations covers
important focal points like racial equity and social justice. It is suggested to discuss sustainability of future
activities that extend beyond the Human Rights Commission and the grant process. It is agreed to grant
the full amount of $3,000.00.
Inside out Reentry Community - $2,300.00
This organization allows the commission to reach a community that doesn’t often receive funding or
support. It is suggested to keep in touch about the long-term vision of success for this organization. The
operational costs including staffing are discussed. A final decision is agreed on the full amount granted at
$2,300.00.
Open Heartland - $13,738.25
The applications ability to highlight the need in the community and organizing support to address those
needs is recognized. The project addresses foundational educational skills training identified by women’s
leadership teams. The network in partnerships and how that impacts the community is brought up in
support of funding. Due to their success in pervious work and their thorough report on future efforts it is
suggested they receive full funding. It is agreed they will receive the full amount of $13,738.25
Agenda Item #3
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Better Together Community Development Cooperation - $8,650.00
This organization addresses the migrant communities and those facing injustices in the community. It also
addresses the challenge of not knowing about or having access to available resources and programs. Their
efforts lead to community building and providing access. There is a collaborative spirit that allows
community members to represent their culture through this organization and to have a cross-cultural
collaboration. It is agreed to grant full funding of $8,650.00
Houses Into Homes - $7,698.00
Recognize new projects. Partial funding is suggested. The groups this organization represents align with
the outreach goals of the HRC. Previous funding granted by the HRC to this organization is considered as
partial funding is addressed again. The deliberate and direct impact this organization makes is highlighted
as a reason for continued support and funding to the group. Partial funding of half the requested amount
is agreed on at $7,500.00.
This organization is revisited with remaining funds and receives the remainder with a total grant of
$7,698.00.
United Action for Youth - $10,500.00
It is recognized that this organization targets a community that is not otherwise served. This organizations
existing budget and additional outside funding is addressed in relation to granting the full amount. With a
reduced grant suggested it is addressed that a minimum of $8,000.50 would be appropriate to allow for
the organization to purchase basic needs packs addressed in their application. Operational costs are
considered with a suggestion of $10,000 + $2000 for peer mentor. Final comments of the organizations
direct impact of services and assisting homeless leads to a general consensus in funding at $10,500.00.
Domestic Violence Intervention Program - $7,619.99
The organization’s ability to present the opportunity to make connection with a vulnerable demographic is
highlighted. The organization has the ability to make impacts across the community. It is agreed to provide
full funding of $7,619.99.
Indigenous Art Alliance - $20,340.00
Concern about funding technology and community involvement due to location is addressed. It is
suggested that funding the technology will allow for more community involvement due to the possibility of
live stream. This organization addresses a target population that is very underserved and is the only
organization of this demographic on the application. It is noted that this is an opportunity to commit to a
new project however it may come with taking risks due to the unpredictability of the success of the
organization. This organization is unable to complete their project with a lesser amount than what they are
asking for. In order to allow funding for other organizations a slightly lesser amount than requested is
agreed on at $20,340.00.
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Escucha Mi Voz Iowa - $12,000.00
This organization has a significant, direct impact on immigrants connecting them to a network of local
partners. A budget of $7,500 is suggested for operational costs. This organization is known to serve a
community the desperately needs it in thoughtful and evidence-based ways, leaving opportunity to
advance racial equity and social justice. The concern of political risk is brought up however the funds
would still be applicable to current refugees in the community and their needs. Typically, refugees aren’t
allowed federal funding due to the nature of their background, so this is an opportunity to supplement
that. It is suggested to connect the organization to additional opportunities and/ or funding that arise in
the future, and it is agreed to grant $12,000.00 to the organization.
CommUnity Crisis Center - $7,000.00
This organization is known to have a significant, direct impact on community members that need it.
Additional funding this year along with the funding they received last year would allow for greater reach
and impact in the community. Their work with immigrant communities and local food banks is recognized
and supported with varying amounts suggested for funding. A final agreement of $7000.00 is agreed upon
as a way to match the organization own funds and unrestricted food bank dollars.
Wright House of Fashion - $7,153.60
Organizations partnered with this group are highlighted to recognize the intersectional identities of BIPOC
youth and LGBTQ communities that would be impacted by the funding received. Cost saving options are
discussed as a way to consider remaining funds available to the organization. $4,500 is suggested. It is
brought up that as important as the business development programs are this grant program may not be
the best fit in terms of impact and outreach. It is also suggested the demographic it reaches, being BIPOC
entrepreneurs, does fit the grant criteria/ goals. It is agreed that the organization will receive $4,500.00
This organization is revisited with the remaining budget. It is agreed to increase the funding for the
graduation ceremony provided by this organization. Bringing their total funding to $7,153.60.
To increase the Racial Equity and Social Justice grant allocation from $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 in this
grant cycle or the next.
A larger budget would allow for full funding to certain organizations without having to take away from
other organizations’ fundings. For example, Indigenous Art Alliance would have been able to get full
funding this year while still allowing for other organizations to get an agreed upon amount.
It is suggested to petition for an additional $50,000 in funding for this grant program as a way to address
the several other organizations of interest to the commission that are unable to be considered due to the
current resources available to them.
Motion to recommend the following organizations for funding at the noted amount. Motion by Lusala,
seconded by Pries. Motion passed 7-0.
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Organization Requested Amount Discussed Amount Average
Eastern Iowa Chapter of APAPA 3000.00 3000.00 32.86
Inside Out Reentry Community 2300.00 2300.00 31.71
Open Heartland 13738.25 13738.25 31.57
Better Together Community Development
Corporation 8650.00 8650.00 30.43
Houses into Homes 15000.00 7698.16 30.29
United Action for Youth 20000.00 10500.00 30.00
Domestic Violence Intervention Program 7619.99 7619.99 30.00
Indigenous Art Alliance 25000.00 20340.00 29.57
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa 25000.00 12000.00 29.43
CommUnity Crisis Center 20000.00 7000.00 29.14
Wright House of Fashion 25000.00 7153.60 29.00
Motion to recommend the RESJ be increased by $50,000.00 in this grant cycle or the next. Motion by Paul
Shantz seconded by Mendez Shannon. Motion passed 7-0.
Adjourned: 8:05 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/23 2/27 3/4 3/26 4/23 5/28 6/25 7/23 8/27 9/24 10/22 11/26 12/24
Jahnavi Pandya 2024 X X X
Sylvia Jons 2024 Z A A
Doug Kollasch 2024 X X X
Viana Qadoura 2025 X X X
Vacant 2025 A X -
Mark Pries 2025 X A X
Roger Lusala 2026 X X X
Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 X X X
Liz Mendez-Shannon 2026 X X X
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
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Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
March 26, 2024
Emma Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Mark Pries, Vianna Qaduora.
Commissioners absent: Sylvia Jons, Roger Lusala, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:33 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
Approval of meeting minutes of February 27, 2024: Pries moved, and Paul Schantz seconded. Motion
passed 5-0.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: One representative had an all-day
training and the other had a previous commitment in the South District. An update will be provided at the
April meeting date.
Presentation by Lulu Merle Johnson Exbibit: Rebecca Conrad introduced the project and opened the
presentation with some of her background and general information on the project and those involved.
Lulu Merle Johnson is a good fit to be an eponym for the project because the former eponym, Richard
Mentor Johnson, had a problematic past. Sonya Jackson (niece of Lulu Merle Johnson) spoke on behalf of
the project and introduced the sculpture that represents the project. Sonya gave some history on Lulu
Merle Johnson’s time at the University of Iowa earning her doctorate and what came after that in her
career as a scholar. Lulu Merle Johnson and her family were pioneers in Iowan history. Rebecca touched on
Lulu’s impact on black history in education and black history as American history with her course “The
Negro and American Life” which she taught before there was a big push in the civil rights movement or
desegregation in education.
Presentation by Community Transportation Committee: Maria Jose Plata-Florez spoke on concerns about
the lack of bus services on Sundays and the possibility of extended hours of operations for the busses that
currently operate.
Dawn Pawlowski spoke on their reliance on public transportation and their concerns with the lack of a
larger printable maps for the various routes that list street names, and clearly marked stops. An additional
concern was the unreliability of the app and websites and the fact that some people may not have smart
phones. It is suggested to include a general bus schedule that can be posted at the bus stops along with
the stop numbers being clear at the stops and on the app.
Agenda Item #3
2
William Denny spoke in support of more accessible transportation efforts. William suggested a variety of
language options being implemented in the bus app and at bus stops. William also mentioned that there is
a lack of convenience in the scheduling of the bus routes, where the primary stops are all downtown with
additional wait times and bus rides to get anywhere outside of that area.
Audrey Keith spoke in support of creating a public transit advisory commission. Audrey’s work as a job
coach in 2014 highlighted the problems still faced by many people today who rely on public transportation
after typical business hours, but taking the bus isn’t an option. Juann Lee spoke as a daily bus rider and
stated the need for structures and seating at bus stops for other daily riders, who typically consist of
elderly people and individuals with disabilities.
Victor Fontanez presented a PowerPoint for the creation of an Iowa City Transit Advisory Commission.
Fontanez started with the general responsibilities of a transit advisory commission and how this
commission is relevant to the Iowa City community. The presentation focused on the various
demographics using the transit system and the accessibility to under-represented riders. Other Transit
Commissions (Wausau (WI), Edina (MN), Sun Prairie (WI), and Eau Claire (WI)) were presented as an
example of how a commission like this would operate and perform in the community. The presentation
mentioned potential benefits of better operating public transportation, including high priority actions like
the City’s climate goals.
The Human Rights Commissioners then asked questions regarding the presentation and where these ideas
have been shared. It is hoped that the Human Rights Commission’s support in creating support for this
endeavor will assist in finding additional members. Commissioner Pries showed support in the idea of
busses operating at night and acknowledged the lack of accessibility outside of the downtown/ west side
hub where many busses start and end their route.
Commissioner Paul Shantz asked how this commission could operate at a county level and if there was
consideration on that scale of operation. Victor stated there has been communication with surrounding
communities and that it is believed Iowa City could be a leading force in the county-wide issue of public
transportation.
Pries motions to support the creation of an Iowa City Transit Commission and Pandya seconded. The
motion passed 5-0.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: The current rubric used to judge grant requests was discussed.
Commissioner Pandya suggested changing the scale to be out of 100 rather than 35. Commissioner Pries
asked about the possibility of a longer period to review and score each applicant. Commissioner Paul
Shantz mentioned focusing on communication and priorities amongst the commission in order to increase
transparency for applicants wanting more information on the grant and the commissions review process.
Commissioner Pries believes that without an increase in the total amount of the grant there will have to be
an adjustment to the maximum grant per organization, due to the increase in applicants. Commissioner
Kollasch agreed and suggested a decrease to $20,000 max grant per organization. Commissioner Paul
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Shantz then stated that by decreasing the amount it may limit the number of projects that might be
possible. Paul Shantz suggested having clear communication to applicants that projects between $10,000-
$20,000 are typically funded as to not limit projects that may need more money. Commissioner Pandya
agreed to put together a new rubric out of 100 rather than 35 with suggested, possible budget changes to
review at the next meeting. Commissioner Kollasch will be presenting the recommendation to the City
Council on April 2.
NCJC Gala: Staff reported the City’s table is full for this event.
Disability Health & Safety Expo: Staff will send out an email to Commissioners to see if anyone is
interested in serving on the office’s table for this event that runs from 2-4:30 PM at Robert A. Lee
Recreation Center.
Funding Request: Coralville Asian Festival: The Commission would like more information from the
requesters. Staff will reach out the organizers to request an itemized budget for the event and to see if
there are any similar events being held in Iowa City.
Trans Day of Visibility Proclamation and Event: Kollasch read the proclamation he authored and submitted
to the Mayor and also spoke on community events being held.
Committee Updates: Commissioners will send any updates to staff to distribute to all members.
Announcements of Commissioners: Commissioners will send updates to staff to distribute all members.
Announcements of staff: None.
Adjourned: 6:58 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/23 2/27 3/4 3/26 4/23 5/28 6/25 7/23 8/27 9/24 10/22 11/26 12/24
Jahnavi Pandya 2024 X X X X
Sylvia Jons 2024 Z A A A
Doug Kollasch 2024 X X X X
Viana Qadoura 2025 X X X X
Vacant 2025 A X - -
Mark Pries 2025 X A X X
Roger Lusala 2026 X X X A
Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 X X X X
Liz Mendez-Shannon 2026 X X X A
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
Human Rights Sponsorship Request Form
Cover Letter (required reading)
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is allocated $2000 annually to provide financial assistance to community events designed to eliminate
racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation,
marital status, age, or national origin.
Rules and Requirements for Sponsorship:
The organization must be physically located in Iowa City.
The program must take place in Iowa City.
The program must have a date and location.
The event date must be prior to the request for financial assistance.
Applicants cannot be governments, public schools, or colleges/universities.
Applicants request cannot exceed $250.00.
Request must include a budget.
Request must include other sponsors.
Request cannot be for reimbursement or honorariums to speakers or guests.
Request cannot be for rental deposits for the venue.
Request cannot be for fundraising purposes.
Requests will be denied if another city department/division has financially contributed funding or will be contributing funds for the
program.
Funding will not be disbursed without the submission of a W9.
If the request is approved for financial assistance an organization cannot request any further assistance in the same fiscal year.
Signature*
Sign here that you have read and understand the rules and requirements.
Date Time
2024-03-13 01:39:45 PM
Application
Organization
Name *
Coralville Asian Festival
Address*
Street Address
P. O. Box 5393
Address Line 2
City
Coralville
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code
52241
Country
USA
Agenda Item #8
Contact person
Name *
Omega Dancel
Preferred pronouns
She/hers
Phone number *
319-621-8042
Email address *
coralvilleasianfest@gmail.com
Program details
Date of Program*
5/18/2024
Program Title *
Coralville Asian Festival
Location name*
S. T. Morrison Park
Location Address *
Street Address
1513 7th St.
Address Line 2
City
Coralville
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code
52241
Country
USA
Describe how the program eliminates racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, related, but not limited to: sex,
color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin.*
Our event will showcase talent, skills, performances by members of our community from different ethnic groups, ages, and abilities. We
will have performers from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and surrounding Iowa City area. We will also have students from the University of
Iowa and West High School. Our goal is to host a diverse cultural event to celebrate our rich culture and heritage.
Is there a financial cost to participate in the project?*
Yes No
Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed.
Our event is free for the public. Our team has created a very detailed budget to accommodate all of the expenses to make our event
successful.
Previous Next
Budget
Amount Requested (Maximum request $250.00)*
$250.00
Has any City of Iowa City department or division provided any support for this event?*
(Include in-kind and financial support)
Yes
No
Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?*
(Include in-kind and financial support)
Yes
No
Please list all funding sources or in-kind support for this event including the amount *
Green State- $250, Coralville Food Pantry- van use. United Methodist Church- table and chairs. We are still in the process of requesting
sponsorship, many have not replied yet.
Attache Itemized Budget
March 27, 2024
City of Iowa City
24 Hour Crisis Line:
800 3731043
www.dvipiowa.org
dvip@dvipiowa.org
SAFETY & DIGNITY. ALWAYS.
Attn: Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
stefa n ie-bowe rs@i owa-city. org
Dear Ms. Bowers,
1105 S. Gilbert Court, Suite 300
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Business Line: 319 356 9863
Shelter Business: 319 351 1043
I am writing to you in regard to the Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (DVIP) Racial Equity &
Social Justice Grant Application for FY25. Due to the inability to secure the original film in our request,
"Birthing Justice" and the addition of new community partners we were able to secure the film
"Aftershock". Through this new partnership with FilmScene, Bijou, and the University of Iowa Students
for Planned Parenthood the film has been made available to us at no cost and the event will now be held
at Filmscene. Though these partnerships and new location will make this event more accessible to a
wider audience we are now unable to provide outside food or beverages.
With these changes we are requesting a modification to our proposal and would like to request that the
application we submitted be funded at the new budget amount of $6,482.99. The remainder of the
project, the goals, and the panel discussion all remain the same as outlined in our original application.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact me
with additional questions or needs.
Best regards, -
Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement
319.930.2030, alta@dvipiowa.org
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Providing Free and Confidential Victim Services to the following Iowa Counties:
Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren and Washington
�-. :I Supported by:
i Mt4 United Way of Johnson and Washington CountiesUnited Way of the Great River Region
Agenda Item #10
Agenda Item #10
FY23 Social Equity & Racial Justice Grant Report
CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank
March 28, 2024
Overview
The "Expanding Culturally Appropriate Food Options" project is intended to advance racial equity
and social justice by helping to maintain the cultural identity of individuals facing food insecurity
while also directly supporting minority-owned business enterprises within Iowa City. Our hope is
that refugees and the diverse people we serve will feel an increased sense of belonging and become
more comfortable connecting with us for services.
Project Successes
Perhaps the greatest success of this project so far is meeting a small portion of the demand for
culturally-familiar foods of our Hispanic clients. Each time the food purchased from Acapulco
Mexican Bakery with Racial Equity & Social Justice grant funds has been loaded onto food bank
shelves, food is gone within one to two days of stocking the shelves, indicating the tremendous
value of this project. It appears that the availability of more Hispanic foods has led to a significant
increase in Food Bank visits from LatinX community members -comparing the months of July to
December in 2022 to the same months in 2023 once the purchases from Acapulco Mexican Bakery
began, LatinX visits nearly doubled. The project also allows groups to get involved by supporting
monthly repacking projects, like Hawkeye Sports Marketing did in November. Five repacking projects
have been completed to-date.
Not only are these funds increasing availability of familiar foods and supporting a local business, but
they are creating opportunities for greater learning and collaboration. As mentioned in our last
report. discussions with staff at Acapulco Mexican Bakery led to adding an option for posole, a
winter stew, in our Project Holiday distribution for approximately 450 households. Additionally,
partnerships with other nonprofits that serve refugee and immigrant populations have been
strengthened since beginning the culturally-appropriate food distribution, as Open Heartland and
Catholic Worker House representatives are now attending our CommUnity Connect advisory group,
which meets quarterly to allow for feedback on Comm Unity programs and create greater awareness
about available services in Iowa City and surrounding areas.
This project also shows potential as our mobile pantry expands into new neighborhoods. Thanks to
partners at Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, the first mobile pantry at the Pheasant Ridge
neighborhood, the only pantry location on the West side of Iowa City, was hosted. It was so
well-attended that all the food was distributed within fifteen minutes, with many Sudanese
community members and 22 new households attending. The second mobile pantry event will be
hosted there next week, with plans to increase the amount of food available. A CommUnity staff
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Agenda Item #10