HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08/05/2019COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 5, 2019
4:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Klein, Amos, and Juon.
Absent: Feuss Jacobs and Schmitt entered the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Moved by Morrissey seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote
Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of the Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance.
Abraham Funchess, Human Rights Director, addressed the Council regarding the Fair Chance
Initiative Ordinance proposal with regards to the removal of application questions relating to
applicant's arrest/conviction history.
Mrs. Klein expressed concerns with potential lawsuits by removing this information from
applications.
Mr. Morrissey asked Mrs. Klein to site examples of lawsuits she referenced and stated his
support of the proposal.
Mrs. Klein explained she did not take notes on her research with regards to lawsuits. Mrs. Klein
expressed it is not the onus of an employer to provide socialization for a past offender.
Mayor Hart asked for clarification with regards to performing background checks.
Abraham Funchess stated background checks would still be performed at a point in the
application process but that removing the question from the application allowed candidates to be
assessed based on their merits rather than being judged because of their arrest history.
Mrs. Juon questioned if interim attorney Chris Wendland, in his review of the proposed
ordinance, found any negative impact to the private sector, if the business community,
specifically Grow Cedar Valley, was contacted with regards to the ordinance and how many
cities in Iowa have established this initiative
Abraham Funchess responded the proposal is consistent with what other cities are proposing but
that all are watching how the State is moving on their legislative efforts, and that attorney
Wendland did not see any problems with the proposal.
Cary Darrah, Grow Cedar Valley, questioned if this will be taken up and possibly more effective
as a state initiative.
Mrs. Juon stated the City has a responsibility to inform the public and business community,
questioned if Mr. Funchess had spoken with the legislators as to what they are doing on their
level and if this policy would apply to schools.
Abraham Funchess responded this would apply to schools but would open a vein of opportunity
for those who have historically been excluded.
Mr. Amos explained Iowa is a right to work state, that employers have a right to hire and fire and
that this initiative gives excluded individuals the opportunity to work.
Mayor Hart asked for more discussion on the subject at another time.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Amos, that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:13 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Three. Nays: One (Klein). Motion
carried.
Le nn M. Ev , CMC, IaCMC
Depâșty City Clerk