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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Packet - 9/21/2026 THE CITY COUNCIL OF WATERLOO, IOWA WORK SESSION TO BE HELD AT Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Monday, September 21, 2026 4:30 PM RULES FOR WORK SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT Iowa Code Chapter 21 gives the public the right to attend council meetings, but it does not require cities to allow public participation except during public hearings.The city council shall not receive any public comment during a work session. Roll Call. Agenda, as proposed or amended. Approval of Minutes of the September 8, 2026, Council Work Session, as proposed or amended. An ordinance amending the Planning, Programming, and Zoning Commission. 4:30 p.m. Submitted by: Mayor Boesen Presentation from the Iowa Human Rights Commission and an ordinance amending the Human Rights Commission. Approx. 4:40 p.m. Submitted by: Mayor Boesen ADJOURNMENT Kelley Felchle City Clerk Page 1 of 16 Page 1 of 3 September 8, 2026 Council Work Session Harold E. Getty Council Chambers 4:00 p.m. Pre-Meeting Items Roll Call. Members present: Mayor Dave Boesen in the chair. Mr. Schmitt (via Zoom), Mr. Morrow, Ms. Creighton-Smith (arrived at 4:34 p.m.), Ms. Berry, Mr. Salamanca, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simon. Agenda, as proposed or amended. Simon/Martin that the agenda as proposed be approved. Voice vote-Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes of the August 17, 2026 Council Work Session, as proposed or amended. Simon/Martin that the minutes of the August 17, 2026, Council Work Session as proposed, be approved. Voice vote-Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Work Session Items Discussion of an ordinance establishing a city manager position. Mr. Salamanca explained that a work session was held a couple of months ago to begin a discussion regarding adding a city manager position to the City of Waterloo. He shared that he has researched how other cities have created and codified that position, and stated that having a city manager would provide us with professional, efficient and non-political decision-making for our city. He further shared that Waterloo is one of two larger cities within the state of Iowa that does not have a city manager, and we are seeing the effects of that now. Mayor Boesen shared that when he ran for mayor he campaigned that he would work to establish a city manager. He provided an overview of the structure as it would be with a city manager, and compared it to a chief operating officer. Mr. Morrow questioned when the ordinance would be presented to council for a vote. Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, explained that the ordinance would come for a first reading on September 21, 2026. Mr. Morrow commented that he concurs with having a city manager. Ms. Berry clarified whether the state code allows us to make this change. Page 2 of 16 Page 2 of 3 Mayor Boesen confirmed. Ms. Berry questioned if there have been any concerns from the citizens. Mayor Boesen explained that the people who voted for him knew that this was the direction he planned to move and that making the city more accountable to the council and to the citizens is the way we should be going. Mr. Simon commented that two of the largest cities in the state that do not have a city manager also have some of the highest taxes in the state of Iowa. Discussion of an amendment to the chronic nuisance property ordinance. Police Chief Duncan and Martin Petersen, City Attorney, provided an overview of a proposed ordinance to change the chronic nuisance ordinance. Chief Duncan explained that currently the ordinance language refers to individual units that can be declared chronic nuisances. The change removes unit language and reads as a parcel to allow for better enforcement with rental units. Martin Petersen provided additional clarification on the proposed change. Mayor Boesen explained that we continue to have nuisance issues with rental units where problem tenants move from apartment to apartment within a complex, which makes the ordinance difficult to enforce as currently written. Chief Duncan outlined the process prior to enforcement. Mr. Simon questioned if there is anything that we need to do as a council if the landlord is unable to compel the renter to change the tenant's behavior. Martin Petersen explained that if a tenant is creating a hazardous environment, the Iowa Landlord Tenant Act allows for owners to evict the tenants. This ordinance change would allow the city to have recourse against the owners and begin billing them for the police work hours to address the issues. Mr. Morrow questioned if this affects the timing to evict a nuisance tenant more quickly. Martin Petersen clarified that this would allow for the police department to send a bill every time officers are sent out to address a nuisance call. Mayor Boesen explained that plans will be devised to work with the landlord to improve safety. Ms. Berry requested examples of a chronic nuisance. Chief Duncan shared that fighting, loud music and drugs, etc., would fall into the nuisance category and explained that after three or more calls a year it could be deemed chronic. Discussion of a contractor registration ordinance amendment. Jennifer Sparks, Permit Writer and Residential Plans Examiner, commented that last month INRCOG had notified us and other communities in the county that they would no longer be handling contractor registrations. She explained that the proposed change would eliminate the language directing contractors to register with INRCOG and add language that they would now Page 3 of 16 Page 3 of 3 need to register with the city. She further explained she would like to implement a change that would narrow down the residential license types, and begin collecting a fee from general contractors. Review of the new parking operations with Municipal Services Regional Manager. Bridgett Wood, Finance Director, introduced Mike Bandy, Regional Manager for PCI based out of Omaha, Nebraska and Ryan Bock, District Manager, based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mike Bandy, Regional Manager for PCI based out of Omaha, Nebraska, explained that they took over the parking operations on July 1, and shared that within their first 70 days they have come across some unusual things with the current parking system that they have not seen in very many cities. He said that he has heard that the city's revenue has been reduced by nearly half since the first hour of free parking was initiated a few years ago. He commented that a well- run parking program should be self-sufficient, not a cost borne by all taxpayers. Council members discussed the proposed operation changes with Mike Bandy and Ryan Bock. ADJOURNMENT Simon/Berry that the council adjourn at 4:51 p.m. Voice vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. ___________________________ Kelley Felchle City Clerk Page 4 of 16 ORDINANCE NO. _____________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING SECTION 3 OF CHAPTER 1, PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND ZONING COMMISSION, TITLE 2, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, AND ENACTING IN LIEU THEREOF A NEW SECTION 3 OF CHAPTER 1, PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND ZONING COMMISSION, TITLE 2, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That Section 3 of Chapter 1, Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission, Title 2, Boards and Commissions, is hereby repealed and new Section 3 is enacted in lieu thereof as follows: 2-1-3: COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP: A. Composition: The planning, programming and zoning commission shall consist of seven (7) members from the city at large. All members of the commission shall be bona fide citizens and residents of the city of Waterloo and shall be over the age of eighteen. The terms of the members of the commission appointed by the community development board, human rights commission and Waterloo school board shall terminate December 31, 2026. The seven (7) commissioners from the city at large shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council. B. Term Of Office: The members of the planning, programming and zoning commission shall serve a term of office of three (3) years. No member of said commission shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms and shall not be reappointed to a third term unless said member has not served on any board or commission of the city for a minimum of one year before reappointment to any board or commission; except a third term may be approved upon extraordinary circumstances and unavailability of applicants. C. Filling Vacancies: If any commissioner shall leave the planning, programming and zoning commission through resignation, removal or otherwise, the mayor shall appoint a successor subject to the approval of the city council. D. Compensation: All members of the commission shall serve without compensation except their actual expenses, which shall be subject to the approval of the city council. E. Organization: The planning, programming and zoning commission shall annually elect, at its first last regular meeting of each calendar year for the following calendar year one of its city at large commissioners to act as chair of the commission, and another of its members as vice chair, who shall perform all the duties of the chair during his absence. F. Rules And Regulations: The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations governing its organization and procedure as may be deemed necessary. G. Committees: The commission shall establish any and all committees deemed necessary for the execution of its powers and duties. H. Meeting Attendance: Commission members are expected to attend all regular and special meetings of the commission. Any commission member who misses more than three (3) meetings (excused and/or unexcused) in a twelve (12) month period may be recommended for removal by the executive committee (chair, vice chair and secretary) to the mayor and city council. If a member has a valid excuse for nonattendance, the member shall notify the commission chairperson or secretary prior to the meeting. Any commission member can be removed for cause by the city council. (Ord. 4916, 6-23-2008) Section 2. If any section, provision or part of this chapter shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Page 5 of 16 Ordinance No. ________ Page 2 Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as provided by law on December 31, 2026. INTRODUCED: ______, 2026 PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: ______, 2026 PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: ______, 2026 PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: ______, 2026 PASSED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of _______________, 2024. ______________________________ David Boesen, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ Kelley Felchle City Clerk Page 6 of 16 2-1-3: COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP: A. Composition: The planning, programming and zoning commission shall consist of seven six (76) members from the city at large. All members of the commission shall be bona fide citizens and residents of the city of Waterloo and shall be over the age of eighteen. The terms of the members of the commission appointed by the community development board, human rights commission and Waterloo school board shall terminate December 31, 2026. and one member of each of the following boards and commissions of the city: community development board, human rights commission, and Waterloo school board. The seven six (76) commissioners from the city at large shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council and the board and commission representatives shall be selected by their respective board or commission as a whole. B. Term Of Office: The term of office of the members of the planning, programming and zoning commission who are members of boards, commissions or the city council shall coincide with their term of office on said board, commission or city council. The members of the planning, programming and zoning commission from the city at large shall serve a term of office of three (3) years. No member of said commission shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms and shall not be reappointed to a third term unless said member has not served on any board or commission of the city for a minimum of one year before reappointment to any board or commission; except a third term may be approved upon extraordinary circumstances and unavailability of applicants. C. Filling Vacancies: If any commissioner from among the city at large representatives shall leave the planning, programming and zoning commission through resignation, removal or otherwise, the mayor shall appoint a successor subject to the approval of the city council. If any planning, programming and zoning commissioner who is a member of a board, commission or the city council shall leave the commission, the members of the respective board, commission or city council shall appoint a successor. D. Compensation: All members of the commission shall serve without compensation except their actual expenses, which shall be subject to the approval of the city council. E. Organization: The planning, programming and zoning commission shall annually elect, at its first last regular meeting of each calendar year for the following calendar year, one of its city at large commissioners to act as chair of the commission, and another of its members as vice chair, who shall perform all the duties of the chair during his absence, and a secretary. F. Rules And Regulations: The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations governing its organization and procedure as may be deemed necessary. G. Committees: The commission shall establish any and all committees deemed necessary for the execution of its powers and duties. Page 7 of 16 H. Meeting Attendance: Commission members are expected to attend all regular and special meetings of the commission. Any commission member who misses more than three (3) meetings (excused and/or unexcused) in a twelve (12) month period may be recommended for removal by the executive committee (chair, vice chair and secretary) to the mayor and city council. If a member has a valid excuse for nonattendance, the member shall notify the commission chairperson or secretary prior to the meeting. Any commission member can be removed for cause by the city council. (Ord. 4916, 6-23-2008) Page 8 of 16 ORDINANCE NO. _____________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING SECTION 2 OF CHAPTER 10, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, TITLE 1, ADMINISTRATION, AND ENACTING IN LIEU THEREOF A NEW SECTION 2 OF CHAPTER 10, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION, TITLE 1, ADMINISTRATION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That Section 2 of Chapter 10, Human Rights Commission, Title 1, Administration, is hereby repealed and new Section 2 is enacted in lieu thereof as follows: 2-10-2: COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP: A. The term of a member of the commission appointed after March 10, 2026 shall be for two (2) years. No member of said commission shall serve more than six (6) years. If a commission member’s service reaches six (6) years during a three (3) or two (2) year term, their service shall terminate. The mayor may appoint and the city council may confirm an individual to finish said term so that staggered terms may continue. B. The commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from the members of the commission. C. All members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel and other expenses, out of the funds appropriated for the commission. (Ord. 4145, 1-8-1996) D. The mayor, subject to approval by the city council, may appoint an executive director who shall not be a member of the commission. If an executive director is not appointed, the mayor shall designate a qualified employee or employees of the city to fulfill the executive director’s duties. The executive director and the commission staff shall be compensated in such amounts as may be fixed by the city council. Additional personnel may be hired as is deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter consistent with the funds appropriated for that purpose and any gifts or grants which the commission may receive from other sources. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) Section 2. If any section, provision or part of this chapter shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as provided by law. INTRODUCED: ______, 2024 PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: ______, 2024 PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: ______, 2024 PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: ______, 2024 PASSED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of _______________, 2024. ______________________________ Quentin Hart, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ Kelley Felchle City Clerk Page 9 of 16 Ordinance No. ________ Page 2 Page 10 of 16 CHAPTER 10 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SECTION: 2-10-1: Commission Created 2-10-2: Composition And Membership 2-10-3: Meetings 2-10-4: Confidentiality Issues 2-10-5: Powers And Duties 2-10-1: COMMISSION CREATED: There is hereby established in the city government a commission to be known as the commission on human rights, which commission shall consist of nine (9) members broadly representative of the community. Members of said commission shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. (Ord. 5064, 8-1-2011) 2-10-2: COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP: A. Of the members first appointed, three (3) shall be appointed for one year, four (4) shall be appointed for two (2) years and three (3) shall be appointed for three (3) years; thereafter all appointments shall be for three (3) years. The term of a member of the commission appointed after March 10, 2026 shall be for two (2) years. No member of said commission shall serve more than six (6) years. If a commission member’s service reaches six (6) years during a three (3) or two (2) year term, their service shall terminate. The mayor may appoint and the city council may confirm an individual to finish said term so that staggered terms may continue. two (2) consecutive terms and shall not be reappointed to a third term unless said member has not served on any board or commission of the city for a minimum of one year before reappointment to any board or commission; except a third term may be approved upon extraordinary circumstances and unavailability of applicants. B. The commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from the members of the commission. C. All members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel and other expenses, out of the funds appropriated for the commission. (Ord. 4145, 1-8-1996) D. The mayor, subject to approval by the city council, may shall appoint an executive director who shall not be a member of the commission. If an executive director is not Page 11 of 16 appointed, the mayor shall designate a qualified employee or employees of the city to fulfill the executive director’s duties. The executive director and the commission staff shall be compensated in such amounts as may be fixed by the city council. Additional personnel may be hired as is deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter consistent with the funds appropriated for that purpose and any gifts or grants which the commission may receive from other sources. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) 2-10-3: MEETINGS: A. All meetings of the commission shall be held in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 21. B. Any five (5) members shall constitute a quorum, except when membership on the commission falls below nine (9), in which case a quorum shall be the majority of those serving. C. All records of the commission shall be in compliance with the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 22. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995; amd. Ord. 4145, 1-8-1996; Ord. 5064, 8-1-2011) 2-10-4: CONFIDENTIALITY ISSUES: No member of the commission or its staff shall disclose the filing of a complaint, the information gathered during the investigation, or the endeavors to eliminate such discriminatory or unfair practice by conference, conciliation or persuasion, unless such disclosure is made in connection with the conduct of an investigation or after public hearing is scheduled or district court action is commenced upon a complaint filed as provided in title 5, chapter 3 of this code. This section does not prevent any complainant, respondent, witness or other person involved in the matter complained of from disclosing information known to them, provided that such person is not a member of the commission or its staff. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00). (Ord. 4871, 5-29-2007) 2-10-5: POWERS AND DUTIES: The commission shall have the following powers and duties: A. To hold meetings at intervals of not less than once per month at a time and place to be determined by the commission. B. To prescribe the duties of a director and such investigators and other employees and agents as the commission shall deem necessary for the enforcement of this chapter. C. To receive, investigate and finally determine the merits of complaints alleging unfair or discriminatory practices. Page 12 of 16 D. To investigate and study the existence, character, causes and extent of discrimination in public accommodations, employment, apprenticeship programs, on the job training programs, vocational schools, extension of credit, real estate, financial transactions and housing in this city and to attempt the elimination of such discrimination by education and conciliation. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) E. To subpoena books, papers, records and any other real evidence necessary to the investigation of any complaint filed pursuant to this chapter. As further set forth below, the commission may also subpoena persons for testimony after notice of hearing has been issued. 1. The executive director, or designee, shall issue subpoenas. 2. Before a subpoena is sought to determine whether the agency should institute a contested case proceeding, the commission staff shall make a request in written form to the person having possession of the requested material or real evidence. The written request shall be hand delivered by a member of the commission staff or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Where a person fails to provide requested information a subpoena for the information may be issued. A subpoena may be issued not less than seven (7) days after the written request has been delivered to the person having possession of the requested materials. Subpoenas may be issued without prior oral or written requests where notice of a pending public hearing has been issued. 3. Every subpoena shall state the name of the commission, the purpose for which the subpoena is issued and the name and address of the party on whose behalf it was issued. 4. The subpoena shall be directed to a specific person, or their attorney, or an officer, partner or managing agent of any person who is not a natural person. The subpoena shall command that person to produce designated books, papers or other real evidence under his or her control at a specified time and place. Where a public hearing has been scheduled, the subpoena may command the person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony concerning such records and evidence either before or at the hearing. 5. The subpoena shall be served either by personal service or by an official authorized by law to serve subpoenas or by any member of the commission staff by delivery of a copy thereof to the person named therein. 6. Where service is accomplished by personal service, proof of service will be acknowledgment of receipt by the person served or by the affidavit of the person serving the subpoena. 7. Upon prompt petition by the person to whom the subpoena is addressed, the executive director or designee may quash or modify a subpoena where it is demonstrated by the petitioner that reasonable cause exists to quash said subpoena. 8. Where a party fails to respond to a subpoena, the executive director or designee may authorize the filing of a petition for enforcement with the district court. Page 13 of 16 9. Subsequent to notification to a respondent of the approval of a hearing upon the merits of complaint, legal counsel, staff and respondent may employ prehearing discovery measures set forth in the Iowa administrative procedure act, in addition to oral interviews and informal requests for documents and other materials and information, and subpoenas may issue for testimony of witnesses in furtherance of discovery and investigative purposes. The subpoena may require the person to attend to give testimony either before or at the hearing. (Ord. 5076, 9-19-2011) F. To hold hearings upon any complaint made against a person, an employer, an employment agency, or a labor organization, or the employees or members thereof, to subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance at such hearings, to administer oaths and take the testimony of any person under oath, and to compel such persons, employer, employment agency or labor organization, or employees or members thereof, to produce for examination any books and papers relating to any matter involved in such complaint. The commission shall issue subpoenas for witnesses in the same manner and for the same purposes on behalf of the respondent upon his request. Such hearings may be held by the commission or by any hearing officer appointed by the commission. G. To take the necessary remedial action, as to the judgment of the commission, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. For purposes of this subsection and pursuant to the provisions of this chapter "remedial action" includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Hiring, reinstatement or upgrading. 2. Admission or restoration of individuals to programs, and admission to a public accommodation or an educational institution. 3. Sale, exchange, lease, rental, assignment or sublease of real property to an individual. 4. Payment to the complainant of damages for an injury caused by the discriminatory or unfair practice which damages shall include, but are not limited to, actual damages, court cost and reasonable attorney fees, and the issuance of an order requiring the respondent to cease and desist from said practice. 5. Reporting as to the manner of compliance. 6. Posting notices in conspicuous places in the respondent's place of business in form prescribed by the commission and inclusion of notice in advertising material. 7. In addition to the remedies provided in the preceding provisions of this subsection, the commission may issue an order requiring the respondent to cease and desist from the discriminatory or unfair practice and to take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the commission will carry out the purposes of this section as follows: a. In the case of a respondent operating by virtue of a license issued by the state or a political subdivision or agency, if the commission, upon notice to the respondent with an opportunity to be heard, determines that the respondent has engaged in a discriminatory or unfair practice and that the practice was authorized, requested, commanded, performed or knowingly or recklessly tolerated by the board of directors of the respondent or by an Page 14 of 16 officer or executive agent acting within the scope of his employment, the commission shall so certify to the licensing agency. Where the licensing agency derives all or part of its authority from this city, it shall be bound by the commission finding, unless it is reversed in the course of judicial review. In the case of such a municipal licensing agency, where such a certification has been made, the licensing agency may initiate licensee disciplinary procedures. b. In the case of a respondent who is found by the commission to have engaged in a discriminatory or unfair practice in the course of performing under a contract or subcontract with the state or political subdivision or agency, if the practice was authorized, requested, commanded, performed or knowingly or recklessly tolerated by the board of directors of the respondent or by an officer or executive agent acting within the scope of his employment, the commission shall so certify to the contracting agency. The finding of discrimination is binding on that contracting authority, unless the commission's finding of a discriminatory or unfair practice is reversed in the course of judicial review. c. Upon receiving a certification made under this chapter, a contracting authority may take appropriate action to terminate a contract or portion thereof previously entered into with the respondent, either absolutely or on condition that the respondent carry out a program of compliance with provisions of this chapter; and assist the state and all political subdivisions and agencies thereof to refrain from entering into further contracts. 8. The election of an affirmative order under subsection G7 of this section shall not bar the election of affirmative remedies provided in subsections G1 through G6 of this section. The terms of a conciliation agreement reached with the respondent may require him to refrain in the future from committing discriminatory or unfair practices of the type stated in the agreement, to take remedial action as in the judgment of the commission will carry out the purposes of this chapter and to consent to the entry in an appropriate district court of a consent decree embodying the terms of the conciliation agreement. Violation of such a consent decree may be punished as contempt by the court upon a showing by the commission of the violation at any time within six (6) months of its occurrence. In all cases where a conciliation agreement is entered into, the commission shall issue an order stating its terms and furnish a copy of the order to such persons as the commission deems proper. At any time in its discretion, the commission may investigate whether the terms of the agreement are being complied with by the respondent. H. To seek a temporary injunction against a respondent when it appears that a complainant may suffer irreparable injury as a result of an alleged violation of this chapter. In the event said respondent is the recipient of, or engaged in any program or activity through grants, loans, contracts or insurance from any federal or state agency, the commission shall seek to enjoin said federal or state agency, on a temporary basis, from further engagement with said respondent. A temporary injunction may only be sought ex parte, if the complaint filed with the commission alleges discrimination in housing. In all other cases a temporary injunction may be issued only after the respondent has been notified and afforded the opportunity to be heard. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) Page 15 of 16 I. To issue such publications and reports of investigations and research as in the judgment of the commission shall tend to promote goodwill among the various racial, religious, ethnic and other groups within the city and which shall tend to minimize or eliminate discrimination in public accommodations, employment, apprenticeship and on the job training programs, vocational schools, housing or credit because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability or age. (Ord. 4891, 11-13-2007) J. To prepare and transmit to the mayor and to the city council from time to time, but not less often than once each year, reports describing its proceedings, investigations, hearings conducted and the outcome thereof, decisions rendered and the other work performed by the commission. K. To make recommendations to the mayor and city council for such further legislation as may be necessary and desirable, and to adopt, publish, amend and rescind regulations consistent with and necessary for the enforcement of this chapter. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) L. To cooperate, within the limits of any appropriations made for its operation, with other agencies or organizations, both public and private, whose purposes are consistent with those of this chapter and in the planning and conducting of programs designed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age. (Ord. 4891, 11-13-2007) M. To receive, administer, dispense and account for any funds that may be voluntarily contributed to the commission and any grants that may be awarded the commission for furthering the purposes of this chapter. N. To enter into contracts with federal and state civil rights agencies which would further the purposes of this chapter. O. To enter into contracts with federal and state civil rights agencies which would further the purposes of this chapter and seek from the equal employment opportunity commission, housing and urban development, the U.S. and Iowa civil rights commission, the designation as a deferral agency, which shall have legal precedence in all cases in its jurisdiction, except where otherwise agreed, or where a complainant requests in written form that the deferral agency not be notified. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995) Page 16 of 16