Human Rights Commission selects Chair, Vice Chair for 2022

Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 4:00pm
Equity and Human Rights

At its January 25, 2022 meeting, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission elected Jason Glass as Chair and Ashley Lindley as Vice Chair. Both Glass and Lindley have served on the commission since 2020.

“Part of being Chair is ensuring productive meetings and discussion, which I hope to do," Glass said. "More importantly, I want to engage our outstanding commissioners and the larger Iowa City community in finding ways to bring people together. In a time of so many divisions, we can help to bridge the divide.”

Glass is a Lecturer in the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of...

Automated External Defibrillator

City of Iowa City accepts five AEDs in partnership with Rotary-Kerber HeartSafe Community

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 12:30pm

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every moment matters. With each minute that goes by without intervention, the chances of survival decrease by 10 percent. Immediate CPR doubles or triples the chances of survival, but use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is even more effective in ensuring positive outcomes.

With that in mind, the Iowa City Fire Department is proud to partner with the Rotary-Kerber HeartSafe Community Campaign to install five AEDs throughout Iowa City. The Fire Department will also work with the...

Nicole Davies is shown.

City names new Finance Director

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 10:00am
Contact: 
Geoff Fruin
City Manager's Office

The City of Iowa City has promoted its Assistant Finance Director and Controller to the position of Finance Director.

Nicole Davies has been employed by the City for the past eight years. She replaces previous Finance Director Dennis Bockenstedt, who vacated his position in December 2021. Davies has served as Interim Director since his departure.

“Nicole brings exceptional financial and team management experience to this vital leadership role,” City Manager Geoff Fruin said. “She has a long-term career history in professional accounting and finance work and has been a...

Youth Human Rights Awards

Human Rights Commission seeking nominations for Youth Human Rights Awards

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 8:00am
Equity and Human Rights

The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its Youth Human Rights Awards.

This annual event recognizes the contributions of youth who have helped to advance human rights causes locally or globally.

Examples of award-worthy activities include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting money for a Human Rights-related organization/cause

• Organizing a Human Rights-related activity

• Collecting food/clothing/personal hygiene items for local or national organizations

Awards criteria

Since the...

Video Update: Battery Recycling, Fire Chief Candidates, and Night of 1000 Dinners

Monday, February 14, 2022 - 7:00am
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs, and events. Topics this week include why it’s important to keep batteries out of the trash, the search for a new leader of the Iowa City Fire Department, and a virtual celebration of International Women’s Day. Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update .

Iowa City Update: Battery Recycling Battery Recycling Program

National...

A bunch of batteries are shown alongside text: "do not place batteries in the trash."

Reminder: batteries should not go into the trash

Monday, February 14, 2022 - 6:30am
Contact: 
Jane Wilch

National Battery Day is Feb. 18, 2022, and Iowa City is celebrating the importance of proper and safe battery disposal.

Since 2020, the Resource Management Division has safely and properly recycled nearly 4,000 pounds of alkaline batteries and over 800 pounds of rechargeable batteries. With the expansion of the program in 2020 to include alkaline batteries and additional drop-off locations in the Iowa City area, rechargeable battery recycling has increased by 15%.

Why we shouldn’t throw batteries in the trash

When a battery ends up in the trash and eventually makes its way...

Purple-topped recycling bins are shown alongside text "Recycling Glass? Look for the purple!"

Look for purple: Changes coming for glass recycling drop-off in Iowa City area

Friday, February 11, 2022 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Jane Wilch
Resource Management

If you recycle glass in Iowa City, there are some exciting program changes coming soon.

What to expect in the next few weeks

The glass recycling containers at current drop-off locations will get new signage and fresh paint. Currently painted brown and light blue, the glass recycling containers are being painted purple. Expect to find containers in their usual locations at drop-off sites but look for the purple.

Current recycling drop-off locations include:

East Side Recycling Center (2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City) South Riverside Recycling Center (1200 South Riverside...
Black and white photo of school-age children, with one black child

Office of Equity and Human Rights co-hosts virtual presentation, "The Only One"

Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 1:15pm
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers

The City's Office of Equity and Human Rights has partnered with the African American Museum of Iowa to host a free virtual presentation on the history of "The Only One" from noon - 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

Based off the AAMI’s 2012 temporary exhibit of the same name, “The Only One” explores the experiences of Iowans who were the only African American on a sports team, in a classroom, at work, and in other situations. Learn about Alexander Clark, who integrated Iowa schools in 1868 when his daughter Susan enrolled in...

Fire Chief John Grier set to retire after 29 years of service; final candidates announced

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - 10:00am

Iowa City Fire Chief John Grier will retire Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, after 29 years with the department.

Chief Grier was hired as a firefighter on Aug. 10, 1992 and has served as Fire Chief since August 2013. During Grier's tenure as Fire Chief, the department has achieved reaccreditation, opened a new training facility, and the City obtained land for two new fire stations.

"It has been an honor and privilege to work beside such a great group of people for so many years," said Grier. "I am so very proud of all we have accomplished together and know even greater...

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