Davenport's dismal track record in awarding contracts to minorities - particularly African-Americans - will be addressed in the coming weeks as the city council implements a number of actions recommended as the result of a recently completed disparity study.

The city was the first in Iowa to review its bid and purchasing system with respect to minority representation, hiring Mason Tillman Associates last April to conduct a 10-week study.

The firm reviewed 477 city contracts bid over a five-year period, from January 2003 to December 2007. The contracts totaled $89 million, and while

74 percent of the money was spent locally, a statistically significant disparity existed in contracts for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

For prime contracts, companies owned by white males were used for about 90 percent, while minority-owned businesses, including businesses owned by women, were less than 10 percent. The rate for subcontractors was about the same, according to the report.

The numbers were even worse for "primary" contractors - with zero minority businesses represented.

"The outcome was not a surprise," said Alderman Gene Meeker, At Large, adding that he didn't think the disparity was intentional. "What matters is what the city does with this information."

City Administrator Craig Malin said a number of recommendations from Mason Tillman are already in the works, and will be brought before the council for approval soon. Then, city staff will work on implementing them.

Recommendations include expanding the city's Disadvantaged Business Program, starting a micro-loan program, establishing a set goal for minority and African-American contracting, and creating an ordinance that would prohibit bidders from negotiating separate affirmative action agreements outside the city's purview.

Eleanor Ramsey, president of Mason Tillman, applauded Davenport for having the courage to conduct the study.

"It is courageous and progressive for a city to study itself in such a way," she said.

Mayor Bill Gluba thanked her, and said the council is serious about taking action.

"In the two years I've been mayor, I've seen rooms full of studies collecting dust," he said. "But this council is committed to trying to rectify an issue that's been around for years."

In other business Wednesday night, the Council's Public Safety Committee voted 3-2 to table an ordinance and resolution that would regulate non-consensual towing in the city and set maximum fees for such towing services.

Concern about improving no-parking signs, debate on what role the city should play in setting prices, and several other issues prompted those in favor of tabling to delay a vote.

Those against tabling said upcoming festivals - including Bix and River Roots Live - attract tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors who could become victims of alleged predatory towing practices.

City staff was directed to set up another set of meetings with tow operators to address some of the concerns.