HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-388-06.20.2022Prepared by Jonathan Grieder, Ward 2 Council member, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, IA 50703, 319-291-4323.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-388
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE ON GUN
VIOLENCE IN WATERLOO.
WHEREAS, our community was recently struck with another death by gun violence; and
WHEREAS, we have lost too many due to gun violence in Waterloo; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that gun crimes have been committed in our
community and represent a real threat to the peace and livelihood of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, structural and systemic issues around race and poverty play a significant role
in creating a climate for gun violence; and
WHEREAS, any loss of life to gun violence is unacceptable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF WATERLOO,
IOWA, as follows;
1. That the City of Waterloo declares and names gun violence as a public health issue that
needs to be addressed.
2. That Mayor shall be asked to convene a Task Force on Gun Violence in Waterloo of at
least 10 members, but no more than 16 members. These appointments shall be made in
consultation with City Council.
3. That this task force should include members of the Waterloo Police Department, Waterloo
Human Rights Commission, Black Hawk County Public Health, Black Hawk County
Sheriff's Department, the Ruth A. Thomson Center for Violence Prevention, and those
with specialized knowledge pertaining to gun violence and its root causes.
4. The overall goal of the task force is to address gun violence and its causes with the aim of
recommending policy for approval to the City Council.
5. The Task Force shall also have two City Council Liaisons appointed by the City Council.
These liaisons shall serve as non -voting ex officio members.
6. The Task Force, once convened, shall within 12 months return to the Waterloo City
Council with a series of policy recommendations that shall be publicly presented. These
recommendations must work to solve the short and long term causes of gun violence in
our community.
7. At the next appropriate City Council meeting the Task Force's recommendations will
come up for public debate and vote.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20`" day of June 2022.
Quert n 9-(rr
Quentin Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk
SEAL