News : Urbana Police Department the first to fall under new Ordinance

Urbana City Council

As of Wednesday, April 10, the City of Urbana no longer has police protection. 

On the evening of April 2, 2024, a "Special Council Meeting" was held in which the Urbana mayor and city council approved the agenda item listed as  "Agenda Item B, Ch 15 Mayor, Ch 18 City Clerk & Ch 22 City Administrator Ordinance #181 Amendment - First Reading.' 

It appears that this ordinance mirrors the duties of the mayor and council and handed them to the City Administrator/Clerk, Jennifer Burkhart. 

The City Council voted to approve this ordinance. The first reading of the amendment was on the April 2nd Agenda when it was approved. Minutes say that the council waived both the second and third readings although this was not on the agenda. 

Only three of the five council members were present at this "special meeting." The newly approved amendment was signed by both the mayor and the administrator, and this allowed the City Administrator to take over these powers immediately.

Exactly one week later, on April 10, 2024, the Police Chief was put on Administrative Leave, eliminating the complete police force in Urbana.

The Urbana Police Department consists of Police Chief Josh Baker, a Certified part-time Officer, who could fill in as interim Police Chief if approved, and 3 reserve officers. The police chief has been with the Urbana Police Department for a decade serving his first seven years as a reserve officer and the last three years as Police Chief.

The Police Chief's quarterly report which had been submitted to the council, for the meeting on the 10th, the same day he was unceremoniously removed, reflects that the town of 1,565 residents had answered 79 calls for service in Urbana.

During Wednesday's meeting, Mayor Benson, assured residents that the Benton County Sheriff's Department would provide coverage, and "has the manpower to do so." Benson himself has a background in law enforcement as a retired reserve officer from the Benton County Sheriff's Department of 34 years and has served as the Urbana Police Chief.

The Mayor indicated that the Police Chief is supposed to be on the agenda for this week. Agendas are posted here: All Public Meetings - City of Urbana, Iowa (urbanaiowa.com)

Baker's lawyer released the following statement:

"Last fall, Chief Baker encountered inappropriate conduct by a fellow co-worker, but the City did nothing to investigate the matter. Between January and March 2024, Chief Baker met with the Mayor and other city officials to try and resolve his concerns. During those meetings, Chief Baker reported that City Administrator Jennifer Burkhart was being permitted to act as his direct supervisor, in violation of Iowa Code chapter 372 and Urbana Code of Ordinances. What followed was an obvious and direct campaign of retaliation against the Chief by City Administrator Burkhart, Deputy Clerk Holthaus, and Mayor Benson.

Last week, Chief Baker was notified that the Council would be evaluating his performance at its meeting scheduled for April 10, 2024. In accordance with Iowa law, Chief Baker specifically requested his evaluation be conducted in open session so that the public could attend. After learning Baker wanted an open session, the City changed course.

On April 10, Chief Baker received written notice that he was being placed on paid administrative leave while the City "evaluates its options for law enforcement." To date, the City has failed to provide any information regarding why Chief Baker must be placed on administrative leave simply because it is evaluating how to provide law enforcement services.

The only logical conclusion is that he is being punished for insisting the City comply with its responsibilities under Iowa law. When Baker first raised the issue of his supervision, the City falsely claimed Burkhart could supervise him because it had amended its ordinances in 2023 to allow for Burkhart to supervise Chief Baker. However, records from the City show that this new ordinance was first approved on April 2, 2024, and published on April 9, 2024 - after Baker made his complaints. Pursuant to the City's Code, Ordinances become effective when published (17.03).

Chief Baker was placed on paid administrative leave the next day - April 10."

Below is a copy of the ordinance that was passed and implemented.