MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
OCTOBER 21 AND 23, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chairperson Stutsman called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. Members present were: Joseph Bolkcom, Charles Duffy, Jonathan Jordahl, Stephen Lacina, and Sally Stutsman.
Stutsman: Informal meeting of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors for October 21, 1997. Review of the formal minutes for October 16th. Any corrections or additions? OK, we'll put those on for Thursday then.
Stutsman: Business from Wendell Jones District Conservationist for the Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District. This is concerning resource conservation development. Good morning Wendell and Ed Williamson is with you. If you want to come on up to the table, it's easier for you to speak into the microphone so the Auditor can get everything down.
Bolkcom: Good morning.
Johnson County Soil And Water Conservation District Conservationist Wendell Jones: Good morning. A couple of other things I want to...
Duffy: Thank you.
Bolkcom: Thanks Wendell.
Stutsman: Wendell, I did hand this out to all of the Board members. You gave me that the day we went on that swine tour.
Jones: Great. I guess today I hope to give you a little bit of background information on a RC & D application that the NRCS is seeking to get approval for and hopefully also to get your sponsorship and support for the application, because we do have to have that for any RC & D application. First of all, I guess I'd like to draw your attention to that handout, if you do have it, the one that Sally is referring to, the one provided earlier on the RC & D.
Lacina: I don't think...
Jordahl: You may have given it to us, but I don't...
Stutsman: Yes I gave it right after we went on the swine tour, I think that next Monday morning I put it on everybody's desk.
Administrative Assistant Carol Peters: Would you like me to make some copies?
Lacina: Yes I would.
Jones: Anyway, a little bit about the purpose of what an RC & D is about, I guess I can...
Lacina: To kill a little time I want to compliment you on the presentation you gave to the Economic Growth Committee for the Chamber.
Jones: Thanks.
Lacina: That was very good and I think any time we can do that kind of farm information exchange with the business community is great.
Bolkcom: I found it. A needle in a hay stack.
Jones: Basically resource conservation and development has been around for quite a few years. Ed just asked me this morning how long it had been around. I got to trying to search through my information and I couldn't find a date, but I know ever since I've been with the agency, since 1980, there have been resource conservation and development areas. What they are really designed to do is to help local communities to improve their economies through the development and utilization of resources. They traditionally have been focused on places that are more economically depressed. Just about every county in southern Iowa is part of a resource conservation and development area. Unlike the local Soil and Water Conservation District, the RC & D areas setup is designed for multi-counties to participate. You have to have at least 2 counties. Hopefully, there is some resource issue that is common to the counties that are involved in the resource conservation and development area, which I think I'll just call RC & D from here forth. But the application has got to address at least one of 4 issues. One being either land conservation, another being water management, another being community development, or some other element. That could be anything like wildlife habitat or some counties or RC & D areas try to address things like ag land preservation and things of this nature. But the key is that it is locally driven. That is basically what I would like to point out as much as anything about what an RC & D area is all about. Although it's funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, coordinators provided, there is also a secretary and usually office space. Basically it is made up of a council of people who would be Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners, County Board of Supervisors, other members from the communities and other units of government, actually form the Council. Basically, they make the decisions as to what the program is going to do in their particular RC & D area. The federal government would also provide seed money. The RC & D will then take this money and try to go out and find matching grants to see if they can come up with special projects. To give you an example of what RC & Ds are doing that's kind of in the press today. This one with the highlights in pink (inaudible) Iowa Switch Grass Project. Basically what this is about is they're trying to grow switch grass to use as an alternative fuel source and they have it with the Iowa Utilities Corporation down there. They are going to try to mix this switch grass with coal as this alternative source. Basically, when the ground is seeded to switch grass there is going to be less erosion, more habitat, and some other environmental benefits. They are also trying to increase the income of the people who would grow this product. At the end the last comment that I have highlighted from Paul Johnson, Performance Chief for the NRCS, the best thing about the switch grass is that it was developed and organized locally. So these are the kind of things, one example of some of the kind of things that RC & D can do. Basically, it's whatever the local folks can come up with and get matching funds for, then that's the project. Some of the things that Pathfinders, which is a group out of Fairfield have done, they would go out and build log cabins to have a use for the timber products and also to provide some economic development for the community there. They would build and sell these $10,000 to $20,000 log cabins as part of a kit or as part of their program. Some of the other areas that I'm familiar with, Geode they have hired foresters. They have 3 foresters on staff that go out and actually manage timbers, plant trees, and do this sort of thing. So there are all kinds of possibilities and opportunities there. Some RC & Ds have developed rural water sources. They provide transportation needs for certain members of the community who don't have access. They're just interested in bringing up, I guess, the level of development in a lot of the usually rural areas. Johnson County is not the typical county that would be a candidate for RC & D, but in this particular application they are trying to go with counties along the Iowa River, which are Tama, Poweshiek, Iowa and Benton. Those are the 5 counties that are seeking, in addition to Johnson, that are seeking approval of this application. A lot of the concern focuses around the Iowa wetlands, the EWRP, the Wetlands Reserve Program, that has restored about 12,000 acres in Iowa County especially, also in Benton. That is one of the major focuses of this area and one of the common concerns. The other is the Coralville Reservoir, of course, and the amount of sedimentation that is going into the reservoir. There is the water quality issue when we talk about Iowa City using drinking water from the Iowa River. There is also the flooding issue from Coralville. So these are some common issues that kind of tie these 5 counties together. They're also possible looking at some kind of tourism connection as the initial thought behind this proposal. But beyond that, like I say, it's basically what the local council can gain support for that is actually an RC & D. I guess as I think about it I try to think of the negatives of it. I can't think of many. The only negatives I can think of is it's another council to be involved with for the members that have to be there. But other than that it's a way to get federal dollars and support into communities to help communities develop economic opportunities locally. So we need the Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners' support and they did adopt a resolution at the last meeting to support that. Basically Ed if you want to talk about the...
Soil And Water Conservation District Commissioner Ed Williamson: Yes, I wasn't at the last meeting Wendell called me a few days ago and asked if I would come so I am kind of being brought up to speed on this as you are. With the information he gave me, I just look at it as a, I guess what really struck me when I read it is working with people rather than for people. That really appeals to me and I think it's an opportunity to show agriculture in a positive light in the community. I like the idea of the diverse make-up of the council. Wendell mentioned this morning maybe someone from the Chamber could be on it, as well as the Supervisors, the Commissioners. So I'm here this morning as a Commissioner but also as a farmer, someone involved in agriculture, I think it's a good opportunity for something positive to happen and to show agriculture... Get an ag project going locally and to show us in a favorable light and to get some project accomplished. I guess that's what appeals to me too, to actually see a final outcome, some goal that is really achieved.
Stutsman: So would this be staffed out of Soil and Conversation District? I mean what's our responsibility if we agree to do this?
Jones: You're responsibility if you agree to do it would be to at first support the application initially by adopting the resolution. I have some blanks if you want to do that today. We're kind of up against a quick deadline of October 31st for having it all prepared. But then beyond that, you would be asked to have a member serve on the council. If the application were approved, that would be the next... You would have to help to develop the articles and corporation bylaws and all of those things that come with being on a council of this nature. So I guess we'd ask you for active participation if it's accepted.
Lacina: We have some wetlands and things that we've established when we've constructed some bridges and the like, so we might have some resources that might be available. Also, the federal government has certain mandates that it's passed down to land grant colleges and then through extension for ag land preservation. Charlie I think you still serve on that committee. I would suggest that you go to them as well for endorsement and ECICOG because Tama and those counties as well are members of ECICOG. I think the larger base you can show of support the better off we all are. So I like the idea and as you said if you look at the negatives I don't see many right now.
Stutsman: Wendell maybe I missed this, you said 2 counties usually go in together to do this.
Jones: At a minimum you need 2.
Stutsman: Who were you thinking of besides Johnson?
Jones: Tama, Poweshiek, Iowa and Benton.
Stutsman: All right. I did miss that.
Jones: The proposed name of it at this point is the Iowa Valley or the Iowa River Valley RC & D area.
Stutsman: OK.
Duffy: This is a voluntary program? If you want to.
Jones: Strictly. It's basically predominantly grant driven. A lot of the functions that they provide are things where they go out and seek dollars from other than the federal... But there is also, like I said, that seed money from the federal government that kind of gets the projects started, if they are good projects.
Duffy: But I mean through home rule, would the Supervisors have a voice in saying how the farmers should protect their soil? Is that what we're saying?
Jones: We're saying that could be one element of a RC & D function.
Duffy: But that would have to be voluntary for the farmers to follow it. That's important because the federal government is a major player in this.
Jones: Not really.
Duffy: Yes they are a major player, because living in the area and being on a federal water committee, they are indeed. They are indeed in fact a big player in it. Of course Iowa City's water plant was built in 1882, so it's...
Jones: I'll add this and I know what you're saying. They are basically the sponsor of this program and they do provide some funding, but I guess as compared to all of the other programs that I'm familiar with this is the one where they really try to say, as a matter of fact, they really... I had some other information I guess I could have given you, but they really want this to be locally driven. It's pretty much a hands-off thing once the area is established and some of the activities I've seen them involved with, it's very flexible and you don't have to follow any Natural Resource Conservation Service priorities or policies. Basically it's wide open for the council and what they can gain local support and dollars to do. It doesn't really have anything... It doesn't even have to address farm issues, but it usually is designed for rural...
Duffy: I'd say it would probably get around to that and of course I have my letter. I was checked in 1993 and I never could figure that out. We have to control our soil loss and things like that. But voluntary is the way to do it. You might have a little problem with me on the operation of that dam. I never could understand, like Clear Creek, for example, why they didn't have a wing dam, so it let the water out and didn't run it. Things like that, so...
Stutsman: So how does the Board feel about this?
Lacina: I think the 2nd page that Wendell handed out, the summing up part, where it talks about help in organizing individuals to identify problems and everything is positively based in looking at objectives and setting goals and achieving those. I think it's another tool to help them find grant money and get us to sit down with other organizations and talk. I think it's a great idea.
Stutsman: OK, if there's support for this then why don't we go ahead and put a resolution on for Thursday, being that we're under somewhat of a time frame. Any other...
Jordahl: Yes, I wanted to say that it's a very nice kind of model for the federal government to be empowering people. It's basically saying here's a little office staff, a little seed money, to provide a structure for people to do whatever makes sense locally. That's nice. It would be nice if there were a lot more money connected to it too, but then there usually comes strings with money.
Williamson: I think that's one reason I asked Wendell this morning how long it's been around because I see they refer to the Soil Conservation Commission, so I knew it had been around a long time. But I've certainly never heard any negatives or criticisms of it, you know, in the media or from farmers or something. I guess that's what kind of made me enthusiastic about it.
Lacina: Now who else could we link to this, again, Gene Mohling with Extension, I think you ought to give him a phone call and see if there are some possibilities. Then the possibility of grants through Extension and Fed., ECICOG, what about Mr. Valentine with Job Services in generation of employment.
Jones: OK.
Bolkcom: They're meeting next Thursday actually, both ECICOG and JTPA on the 30th. I don't know if you could get all of that. I mean, it'd be, they'd almost have to act on a resolution if you've got an October 31st deadline for...
Lacina: I mean just in the future as far as employees and employment I think those would be some and then as we come up with more... It sounds exciting.
Stutsman: Then you'll get back to us when you want us to appoint somebody to the...
Jones: I'll let you know if the application is actually approved. We should probably know that hopefully by January of next year.
Stutsman: All right.
Jones: If the application actually got... I'll will, there are several counties that would like to be involved in the program and it's not one that every county is in, because of various reasons. It's very expensive, but it's something we've always wanted to do here in southeast Iowa and the counties I have been involved with. Washington wanted it, but I don't think they're able to get it done at this point, but now the opportunity is here and we do have an application. So it's something...
Stutsman: I'm glad you brought that forward.
Jones: I could leave you this blank example of a resolution or you could come up with your own or whatever you'd like to do...
Lacina: Probably for consistency, if we'd used yours, then it will be all the same and then Thursday we can...
Stutsman: Yes we'll just put that on for Thursday.
Lacina: We can't take action today because it's our informal.
Bolkcom: Thanks.
Stutsman: Very good. Thank you.
Jones: Thank you.
Stutsman: Get back to your corn.
Williamson: Beans.
Stutsman: Beans. OK.
PREPAID LEGAL SERVICES INC. PRESIDENT PAUL MCKEEN: PREPAID LEGAL SERVICE PLAN
Stutsman: OK. Business from Paul McKeen and this would be concerning prepaid legal service plan. Morning Paul.
Prepaid Legal Services Inc President Paul McKeen: Morning. I think most of you know me. I have been a business man here and a resident since 1954 I made a career change here just recently. I had a bit of a health problem. I spent my lifetime in the sales and finance business and underwent 2 hip replacements and that kind of changed things. I tried retirement, I didn't like that, and now I've got myself involved in something new. My purpose here this morning is twofold. Number one, I want to inform you as to who we are, what we're doing and how we're doing it. This particular company, just a little bit of background, is a 25 year old company. It's traded on the American Stock Exchange. This is the current issue of Fortune magazine and it shows that the prepaid legal services is the 29th fastest growing company in the United States today. It grew at a rate of 118% last year and it moved from the 66th fastest growing company to the 29th. Basically what it is, it's an HMO for the legal profession. It brings legal convenience and certain things to middle America, those people that don't have the money or don't have the representation on a normal course of events. So what I wanted to do was tell you a little bit about the plan and about the company and then if I would have your blessings I would seek a payroll deduction for County employees. I've taken this to the Iowa Association of Realtors in Des Moines and I have their blessings and approval for the Statewide 6,300 Realtors. I've taken it to the Iowa City Police Department I have their blessings and have sold quite a number of them and through their auspices was at the State Convention last Tuesday and Wednesday and made contact with 18 major police departments, and the highway patrol in the State of Iowa to bring this to them. I have been working with several other large organizations. The sale of the product isn't the issue. It's been approved and blessed by everybody. In fact when I took it to the Sheriff's Department, to the Sheriff and his Captain, they made the suggestion that I take it to the County Attorney, Mr. White and present it to him. He was very gracious, he gave me about 45 minutes of his time and I went through the whole thing with Pat and he thought it was a very good thing. In fact he was very gracious and dug up some things for me from the Iowa Code that showed me some things that I was not aware of where there might be an interweaving of the benefits involved and perhaps overlap in some cases. He also asked me to tell him when I was coming here and he said that if he was free he would be here and give his support too. The company is 25 years old, it was started in Ada, Oklahoma by a gentlemen by the name of Harvin Stoneseiffler. He was involved in a very major automobile accident in 1969, almost lost is life. It was a head-on collision. A lady turned in front of him and he hit her. He was an insurance executive on his way to a meeting. As he tells this story very briefly, he had the life insurance in case he didn't make it to protect his family, he had the automobile insurance to replace the vehicle, he had the hospitalization to take care of that. What he didn't have was any insurance to protect him and she filed a lawsuit against him, it went through the courts for quite some time and he was ultimately exonerated him but it almost bankrupted him. That one lawsuit almost wiped him out financially. Being in the insurance business he thought well if we have this sort of coverage for everything else why don't we have a legal insurance. He found that there was no such thing in the United States, but in Europe it's been quite common, it's over 80 years old in Europe and presently there's over 40 million policies enforced with annual premiums in excess of 1.2 billion dollars. The stock as I told you is traded publicly on the American Stock Exchange. They presently have in excess of 58 million dollars in current assets, over 20 million dollars in cash and have 0 debt. So they're a very strong company. It's only started to emerge as a real strength in the marketplace in the last 4 years. The reason being, it took 25 years to jump through all of the regulatory hoops for compliance in each of every one of the different states. The program is not a be all do all. It's not designed to cover everything. But what it does, it gives legal protection to that middle class America and as it says here there is a need for legal services. In 1980 there were 12 million lawsuits, in 1991 there were 93,148,000 and in 1996 there were over 105 million lawsuits filed. You break that down, that's 18 million civil, 12 million criminal, 60 million traffic and ordinance, and 1,600,000 juvenile. That's 255,000 court filings a day, 10,600 an hour, 177 a minute, or 3 per second 24 hours a day. We live in the most litigious society in the history of the world, there is no question about it. Basically the top 10 percent of the income earners in this country, they certainly can afford whatever attorney fees are involved and the bottom 10% has their legal aid or their welfare, but that 80% in the middle, myself and most of the people that I'm acquainted with sit one lawsuit away from potential financial disaster. This is designed to get them the proper guidance, the proper resources. I've taken this to a number of different attorneys in Iowa City. I live in this community and I don't want to do something that's going to be contrary to the right thing to do. My oldest son is an attorney, as well as my brother in law, and all of them almost without exception say that the thing they like about it, it gets people the best advice up front so that they don't muddle through and get themselves in deep water and then spend 3 times as much to get out. A lot of people don't know an attorney, are intimidated by an attorney, or can't afford an attorney, or don't think they can, so they try to do things on their own and then they have big problems. So what this does, it gives them legal protection, affordable justice, access to an attorney, legal convenience, legal advice, advises them of their rights, and gives them piece of mind. I've already had some tremendous results right here in Iowa City. The people I've sold it to in the last 4 months, that have been using it, they're just really raving about the service they've been getting. This market that we're playing to is middle America, the average working person, that's from 180 to 200 million people. So I don't know how much you'd like to have me cover. I'd be happy to briefly explain what the coverage is, if that would be desirable.
Stutsman: Is the Board interested in hearing that? We have a full agenda this morning...
McKeen: I know you do Sally that's why I'm offering to...
Jordahl: The thing that's most interesting is when you have the HMO situation, you may have a restricted set of doctors that are part of the plan and this person has a relationship with an attorney now and how does that roll into this program?
McKeen: Jonathan that's an excellent question and what they did when they first started out with this program, they allowed you to retain your own attorney and then they paid that attorney. I know this will shock all of you but they found that there were some attorneys that were not honest and bills were padded and things happened. They changed then about 4 years ago to what they called a provider service. There is a provider firm in each state, this particular one is a major firm in Des Moines and the 800 number calls go to that provider firm, that provider firm then either handles it internally or farms it out to attorneys in the respective communities. They have a network all over all 50 states of attorneys that are representative. If they send an attorney that you did not want to do business with locally they will change that for you, OK. You have the option of accepting or denying. Every attorney that is involved has a minimum of 5 years experience as a specialist, whether it be civil, criminal, IRS, whatever the case may be and the way the program is set up, the provider firm is on a 60 day contract and every phone call is monitored and reviewed for the service that's being provided. If it's not being provided in 60 days, they are terminated and another firm is replaced. OK? Does that answer your question?
Jordahl: Yes. The other question I haven't reviewed this whole list of things here, but is this, it sounds like it's primarily defense oriented, I mean you get sued by somebody we'll protect you. Suppose something happens to you and you want to sue somebody else? Is that covered under this arrangement?
McKeen: Yes. Let me just take a minute and tell you this first part here, the preventative legal services, I think addresses what your asking. This covers any preexisting condition or anything that's new and it gives you unlimited phone consultation for business or personal reasons. There is no cost whatsoever. You pick up the 800 number and you can get an attorney and he will give you guidance, answer your questions, do whatever. There's no limit to the number of times you do this and it can be business or personal, OK? The next thing it does on your behalf, the attorney will then do phone calls and letters. There is a lot of times in your life that a phone call from an attorney and a letter will get results for you. Contract and document review, a will preparation is a part of this, that alone is worth $400. This service, it goes on and on. Motor vehicle protection etc. I'll be happy to go into it more deeply at another time or individually if you'd like. But by getting in on a payroll deduction, I've talked to the Sheriff's Department, I've talked to Secondary Roads, I've talked to Mr. Redlinger down in the Treasurer's Department. There's a lot of interest and they would like to get in on a payroll deduction, if that's possible. Now we do all of the work. The payroll departments do not have to do the work. All they do is take the lists and the cards and all of the things that are signed, everything that is handed to them and they make one entry to do it once a month. That's all there is involved. We also appraise them on who is current, who is not, who is to be eliminated who is to be added, etc. What that does, the normal charge for the service is $16 a month with a $10 one time computer entry fee OK. If it goes on a payroll deduction they will waive that $10 computer fee and they will permit it at $14.95 a month, so it gives a discount and a savings to the people.
Stutsman: If there is any questions concerning the policy, you handle those questions and things, this wouldn't' be anything that Carol would have to assume responsibility for?
McKeen: No, we would do it all. That's absolutely right. I have lots more literature, I have a lot more to say, but I don't want to take your time. I know your very busy. Everybody that...
Stutsman: Well I was going to say I think this is something that maybe the Board needs to think about and I don't know Carol if it would be appropriate to do a survey of employees to see what kind of interest there is or...
Peters: Well, I think first of all you'd want to visit with the Auditors Office to find out how many fields are available for payroll deductions. I do know that it's getting pretty tight. That would be the first thing.
McKeen: One of the things that always arises is, gee, if we do this for you we have to do it for everybody else. There is no other service like this in the entire United States being sold. So it is a one of a kind thing.
Jordahl: You just addressed the question that had just percolated to the top of my mind, yes.
McKeen: There are some businesses like the Principal Group in Des Moines, they have their own internal situation, I know that the big 3 auto makers do, and AT and T and Coca Cola, some of the major, major companies have their own internal legal defense fund or legal protection for their people, but the average person doesn't have this available to them and the people that work in the County and so forth. So that's what we're trying to do, we're trying to reach those people and make it an affordable benefit for them.
Jordahl: Somebody sure had a good idea.
McKeen: It's working very well, but it's taken 25 years to get there Jonathan, they struggled for a long time.
Bolkcom: We have a department head meeting on December 2nd. I don't know if that would be a good time to bring it to department heads or if we were going to do some other kind of survey, maybe just a memo.
Peters: Maybe you'd want Paul to give a presentation...
Stutsman: I think that would be...
McKeen: I'd be delighted to. I'm going to continue to...
Peters: We had him scheduled one time and then we had to change that.
Stutsman: Well why don't we do that, have you present to a department head meeting and then we could do some checking with the Auditor...
Duffy: Is that December 2nd?
Bolkcom: That's what I have down. Tuesday, December 2nd.
Duffy: Well, I'll be gone then, but (inaudible).
Stutsman: OK.
McKeen: I'll continue to sell this and then they will purchase it any individuals on the $16 a month, but then if the payroll deduction is granted then it will revert back and go to the lesser cost OK?
Stutsman: Very good. Thank you for coming in.
McKeen: Thank you very much I appreciate your time.
Lacina: What time was the meeting on 2:00.
Bolkcom: Elected officials 1:30 and department heads 2:00.
Stutsman: That's right we were going to meet with elected officials earlier.
Bolkcom: That was decided at the last department head meeting.
Duffy: Your talking about December now?
Stutsman: Uh-huh.
Bolkcom: December.
Lacina: I think I may have a conflict on that date.
Stutsman: Well its not on the agenda, so we'll have to discuss that at another time.
McKeen: I'll be happy to make that presentation and I'll make myself available, if any of you have questions you have my card there. Pick up the phone and give me a jingle, I'd be happy to help.
Bolkcom: Thank you.
Stutsman: Thanks Paul.
CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATOR HEATHER SHANK: THE DIVERSE CITIES TEAM
Stutsman: Business from Heather Shank, City of Iowa City Human Rights Coordinator and this is regarding the Diverse Cities Team. Thanks Heather for coming in. We brought this to the Board last week and there were lots of questions that I wasn't able to answer so we thought if you could help us out.
City of Iowa City Human Rights Coordinator Heather Shank: Sure. I brought everyone a pamphlet with some more information, just in case anybody has any questions.
Stutsman: OK. You had your meeting Thursday night?
Shank: Yes we did.
Stutsman: Was that your first organizational meeting?
Shank: Well that was our first meeting with the public. We've had several organizational meetings, but this was the time when everybody came together.
Stutsman: Do you want to give us an overview then of what the Diverse Cities Committee is about?
Shank: Actually about 2 or 3 years ago, Don Grove, who is the director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, was encouraging communities to have a diversity appreciation team of some kind. Now what would happen is that communities had certain problems, some immigrants were moving into some communities and they weren't accustomed to that and so they developed some of these teams to deal with the tension that arose as a result of the influx of immigrants into their community. Also, other issues arose in certain communities regarding race relations. There was an understanding that there might be tolerance, yet there was no coming together of the various groups. So different communities have had cultural days, they've had celebrations where they have invited speakers from different cultures, different national origins, to come and educate the public. They have had actions such as going to the County Attorney's Office and law enforcement in Tama to deal with a difference in understanding about the Native American Community. So basically this is a group that tries to bring groups together that are not usually together for conversation, for an identification of the problems that exist in the communities. We did have our first meeting, we had representatives from the press there, there were representatives from Juvenile Court Services, there were representatives from the Coralville Police Department, as well as Iowa City, the neighborhood centers, the churches of both Coralville and Iowa City, the Chamber of Commerce, different agencies, such as Independent Living; there were also a number of individuals that have indicated that they want to be contacted about future meetings. There is quite a list there as well. The first meeting went extremely well. There was identification of problems that people have perceived in Iowa City and Coralville. Generally there is an idea that there is a denial that racism exists in Iowa City, that this is such a wonderful community and very tolerant, etc. Now these are the white majority that generally say, according to these people at the meeting, that the problem doesn't exist. Because that's a common sentiment and it's expressed, the African Americans in the community believe that they are more isolated, because no one believes it exists in the first place, and therefore they don't feel that they communicate honestly with Caucasian individuals in the community. So this was an opportunity for people to come and express this feeling that they feel isolated and don't feel willing to come out and communicate. So we actually had a very good discussion and I think that that was helpful. What we came up with, some of the groups was... I didn't include all of the action plans. I must have left a page out of the pamphlet, but it also included having a book club where you read authors who are African American or from different cultures and have a discussion about the literature in that way it takes the discussion to the literature and what the author is saying as opposed to having a conversation just about race relations. Because often times that was acknowledged that it creates tension, because people don't know how far to go, they feel uncomfortable discussing it generally. There are no safety zones, your discussing a topic that everyone feels uncomfortable with. So this is one way to bring, or start a conversation. Also there was a discussion about bringing people to the community, African American singers or having a festival of some kind. Something to bring people to together. This minister indicated that at some point, he wanted to invite all of these church representatives to some meeting, and he didn't know who represented the black churches. So he said at this meeting that there is tolerance, but there is no affirmation, there is no togetherness. Generally that's what I believe came out of this meeting. People want more of a community, they want to talk to their neighbors, that sort of thing. So they want to have community forums and educate the public as to what is a hate crime. You know, what can be done when there is a hate crime. Is there such a thing as a bias action, some sort of action because of a biased incident. It's very difficult sometimes to meet all of the elements of a hate crime, but there is definite elements of bias. I mean these are all of the issues that are coming up. We have to have another meeting, first one was successful, but we want representatives from lots of groups, so that's why we sent you all an invitation.
Jordahl: None of us attended, I take it.
Shank: Lots of people couldn't make it that night.
Stutsman: You would ask for representative from the Board of Supervisors to be a part of this committee...
Shank: Yes.
Stutsman: ...and I know some of the Board members had some questions as to whether it was appropriate for us to be involved and so I thought it would be a good idea to have Heather come in and explain what exactly the committee is about so that we would have a better idea if it was something that we wanted to be involved in.
Jordahl: Let me hasten to say I'm very supportive of this. I know from work experience of the experience of minorities in Iowa City in particular. This is not looking for trouble. This is talking about a real situation, from the point of view of even my supervisor in that position, who is a minority person. To go out and even be shopping in an upscale kind of place to the extent that they exist in Iowa City and be followed. The constant suspicion of shoplifting. Where I might not get that treatment.
Shank: Yes, that was brought up at the meeting as well. This African American woman that was representing the neighborhood association said that no matter where she goes in Iowa City she walks in the door and she's followed, every time. That's not the first time that I've heard of that sort of feeling that they're being followed if they are a minority. So... The thing is a lot of the people indicate that if this was a long time coming and should have come a long time ago, because they've never had an opportunity to come out and say this is really what's happening to me. So just the fact that people are allowed to discuss some of the things that they find to be a problem I think it's very important.
Jordahl: Given the discussion place, it's... Where does this discussion happen?
Stutsman: How often is the group going to meet, Heather?
Shank: Well I think that's up to the group. I think we're going to have another meeting in early November, but after that, people have broken into groups to work on individual projects. So I think we're going to have more of an idea. I don't think...It might not be just a set date every month.
Stutsman: Well I don't want to speak for the Board. I don't know if we want to appoint somebody. Part of the problem is that everybody is spread so thin.
Shank: Oh, I understand that phenomenon.
Stutsman: It gets real difficult to...
Lacina: We've tried to somewhat cut down the number of committees we're serving on, unless we are a funder as...
Shank: Oh, you certainly can fund this if you'd like.
Lacina: (Inaudible). Well and... Do realize that when I hear that somebody is followed in every business they go into downtown, I kind of question that statement.
Shank: Right. But you know this is like...
Lacina: As I was saying, though.
Shank: This is a perception of the person that's... I'm not saying if it's true or false. I'm just saying that's the perception.
Lacina: But as we have looked at our committees, I think if a Board member wants to contribute to that, I would have no problem with that. But in terms of the committees that we serve on, I do think we need to go back to look at the ones that we financially fund and spend more of our time there as far as taxpayers dollars. But again, if Jonathan wants to, or I, or the rest of us, I think that should be our option.
Stutsman: Well I guess that I think that because we are the Board of Supervisors and part of the county I think we do need to be involved in something like this. I don't think this is just an issue in Iowa City or an issue in Coralville. I think it's an issue that affects the whole county. So I think that it's good for us to be a part of this and at the table with it. Who's the one that's going to do it? I know that they had mentioned in the letter Joe, that you had been involved in some of the committees, some of the initial planning meetings. I don't know if you were...or some of the initial planning meetings, if you were interested in still being a part of that?
Bolkcom: Well let me say...I think it's a really good idea and I think that we should be officially involved as opposed to just who can make it at a given meeting. In terms of my involvement so far, I haven't been involved in any of the planning meetings to date. I am familiar with what Don Grove has worked on with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the study circles that they've done and think that this would be a valuable opportunity for us to contribute and create a community dialog about some real issues that exist in the community. I know we're all very busy in terms of trying to fit in another meeting. I would be interested, I think there might be other members that would be interested.
Jordahl: Yes, I'm confused about... I recall our earlier discussion of this and I don't recall what the objections were. I recognize Steve's point, a certain, trying to winnow... which committees are we on, what should we be on, how do we distribute our time, but I don't remember the discussion as to what the issue was here, other than what Steve mentioned just now. I think there was something else.
Lacina: I don't think there were objections to the concept or the idea of what they are trying to accomplish. I think you're right, there weren't objections. The question is, as individuals we may be able to make contributions, as Supervisors, should we set up an appointee to a committee that we don't fund? If you start doing that, I don't know where you're going to draw a line.
Bolkcom: Well we...
Lacina: Because there's going to be a huge, and some of the agencies that they're referring to here, some of the problems that they're trying to solve, some of us do serve on these different things and...But again, we may decide to...
Bolkcom: We serve on a bunch of things we don't fund. We, as you recall, Systems Unlimited this last year, we give them over a million dollars a year, we decided not to be, go to their board meetings anymore so...Which we probably should re-think that which the point that you're raising Steve. I think that unlike other committees that might relate to this project and some of the member organizations or some of the groups that have chosen to participate, the primary focus of this, Diverse Cities, is to talk about problems that members of our community experience day to day with intolerance and bigotry in their lives. I think having that be the focus of a regular discussion in our community would be a valuable thing. And also note that the Iowa Business Council and this is a very interesting point I think... They just completed a major initiative in the last year about how Iowa is going to get prepared for doing economic development statewide. They focused on the question of the need for Iowans to be more involved in these kinds of diversity discussions. As our population grows more diverse and we try to attract people to our state that have a lot of skills, sometimes have different backgrounds culturally and ethnically. And the need for Iowans all over the state to recognize that and embrace it. So that's an interesting part of our future I think economically that ties into this very nicely. So this is kind of a hands on thing that could be very helpful to us.
Shank: You know what I find incredibly important here is not that people discuss the problems that they perceive, but it's the actions that they wanted to pursue, and the actions were not going out and just berating the public and saying there's all this discrimination. These are actions that would celebrate diversity and bring positive stories in the press regarding minorities that live in this community. We're not talking about taking any action to say that the whole community, the white community, is guilty of this and that. That's not the intent. This is to bring people together to discuss the problems and then have a celebration. A celebration that celebrates our commonalities and our differences. That's the intent. People have expressed this idea that I don't want to get into this big argument and all this, that' s not what this is about. So I just want to assure everyone.
Bolkcom: Good point.
Lacina: And we see it much more visible in some areas for example the Czech Museum in Cedar Rapids and the celebration of diversity...
Shank: Exactly.
Lacina: Again, great ideas and I applaud the idea. The question is does this Board officially have a role.
Jordahl: I last week agreed to be part of something that was a Business Advisory Council of the Institute for Social and Economic Development which ties closely into with what Joe just said about the relationship between this kind of problem solving, community building, and economic development in the area. As I alluded to earlier, spent four and one half years of my professional career a few years ago addressing this issue full time. It was something that's an ongoing part of the community that, who's addressing it? I guess it's something that...
Stutsman: Are you offering to be the representative?
Jordahl: Well I guess I, I'd like to step forward and say I've got some experience with this. I have a strong interest in the area and I know it needs to be done.
Stutsman: Well is there support for the Board to go ahead with this or are we still...
Duffy: Yes, I would like to bring up one thing. Is this an incorporated group?
Shank: Oh, no.
Duffy: Is...
Shank: Incorporated?
Duffy: Incorporated, yes.
Shank: No.
Duffy: It's not?
Shank: No.
Stutsman: What does that have to do with it, Charlie?
Duffy: It has a lot to do with it.
Lacina: The legal (inaudible).
Duffy: It's a legal thing in case there were lawsuits and things like that. They go to each individual, instead of the corporation. I just don't know.
Jordahl: I'm pretty much a novice at this, Charlie. What's the...How's that done? Or maybe that's a concern they should deal with.
Duffy: Well...
Stutsman: Well we've got insurance now, we can...
Duffy: I would like to bring up something and I think I can. It's not.... We're talking about whether to support a group, groups that really aren't government groups and it's been mentioned, economic development, twice here, and I think I'll probably put on the agenda that I be the Johnson County Supervisors legal appointee to this State Economic Development Board that I've been on for quite a few years.
Jordahl: That doesn't appear on the...
Duffy: I've been doing this on my own...
Jordahl: It doesn't appear on the list of committee assignments.
Duffy: But everybody talks about economic development and I think that can really help, but...
Stutsman: Well let's get back to the...
Duffy: (Inaudible) on the agenda, that's what I'm saying.
Stutsman: Yes, to the diversities team and whether we want to be involved in that or not.
Bolkcom: I think it makes sense for us to take some leadership in this area and say we, the County, think this is an important issue around the county, not just in Iowa City and Coralville and have an official.
Stutsman: I guess I would agree with that.
Bolkcom: Have an official representative.
Stutsman: All right. Any other, Jonathan?
Jordahl: Well only...
Stutsman: Pretty much... Steve and Charlie any other comments? OK.
Duffy: No, except the comment I just made. Maybe I'll put that on for Thursday.
Lacina: Again, I support what you're doing, I just don't think this Board has a role. So that's where I stand.
Stutsman: Well it sounds like there's three that are interested in going ahead with this, so we'll get you a name of who we support, or who we'll appoint to be a representative.
Shank: OK.
Stutsman: OK, thanks, Heather.
Shank: Thank you very much.
Bolkcom: Thank you Heather.
SAFE PLACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR TRISH SMITH: SAFE PLACE PROGRAM
Stutsman: Business from Trish Smith, Safe Place Program. Good morning Trish.
Safe Place Program Director Trish Smith: Good morning.
Bolkcom: Good morning.
Smith: Good morning. I'm here basically just to provide you with some information on a new program that Youth Homes, a division of Four Oaks and United Action for Youth are collaborating together to establish in the Iowa City and Coralville community. I think as parents, teachers, community leaders, we all have a desire for our children in our community, or our teenagers to feel safe, whether they're at home or at school or in a local business or whatever the case may be. But in the reality of our current world, today we find that maybe there is no one at home when the child is in need of assistance. Maybe the child is in another part of town and that's very far away from their neighborhood where they may be familiar with people they could turn to. Because of this we have established a Project Safe Place Plan for our community. Basically what this plan does is it enables local businesses to be identified as safe place sites for a child or a teenager who is in need of assistance where maybe they're in an abusive home, maybe they're running away from someone, maybe they are lost, maybe they're just finding themselves in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. They can turn to that business, go into it and ask for assistance. The business then will contact a counselor from United Action for Youth who will come and visit with the child, identify what issues they may have and either set up a meeting with the family or bring the child to the Youth Emergency Shelter for Youth Homes. This would give the child the opportunity to make sure that they are safe, to get the counseling or assistance that they may need and feel comfortable in doing it. It also gives the local businesses in our community the opportunity to give back to the community. This is a service that they can actually provide with a minimal monetary contribution to it, they can actually do something which I think is very well received in the business community. We are excited by our approachment of the business community and the response that we've gotten. Our Board has contacted McDonalds and Wal-Mart and Quick-Trip and have received very positive responses from them and they've all come on board with our program as well as First National Bank and some other businesses that we are in the process of securing connections with. So we are formally inviting you all to attend our kick-off which is this Thursday the 23rd, located at the First National Bank atrium to celebrate making Iowa City and Coralville Project Safe Place communities. We will be going into the local schools and educating the children on how they can access services and what they need to do, so that they feel comfortable with that in the near future. So we just wanted to inform you of that so you kind of know what's going on in your backyard so to speak and open it up for any questions that you may have about this project.
Duffy: Sounds good.
Bolkcom: So it's kind of like the blue star in...
Smith: Many people relate it to the blue star and even previous to that, the black star, where individual homes could be identified as places where a child could go if they needed help. This is strictly limited to the business community. Especially identified as those businesses that children would often go into or that are open in different hours, you know 24 hours and late into the night and things like that.
Bolkcom: Sounds good.
Stutsman: I want to thank Youth Homes and UAY for taking the initiative to bring this to the community. I think it's something that will be real beneficial.
Jordahl: Yes, I kind of miss the connection to the counselor. This would be who's counselor?
Smith: United Action for Youth's counselor. Their on-call person will be coming and meeting with the child. If necessary, they'll bring them over to Youth Homes Shelter.
Stutsman: Any other questions?
Lacina: Good presentation.
Smith: Thank you.
Stutsman: Thanks Trish for coming in.
Smith: Thank you.
Stutsman: We'll see you Thursday.
Smith: Yes.