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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-16 Council minutesCITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: May 26, 2017 To: Mayor and City Council From: Julie Voparil, Deputy City Clerk Re: Council Work Session, May 16, 2017, 5:00 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall Council: Cole, Dickens, Mims, Taylor, Thomas, Throgmorton Absent: Botchway LIISG: Nelson Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Andrew, Dilkes, Voparil, Knoche, Ford, Hightshoe, Boothroy, Yapp, Seydell-Johnson, Sandberg RECAP OF THE STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION 11P #3 of 5/11 Info Packet City Manager Fruin presented an overview of Legislative Session Recap memo submitted by Assistant to the City Manager Andrew. The (4) following City Council Legislative Priorities were identified with bullet points of highlights: 1) Ensure Continued funding of commercial and industrial property tax replacement payments - • Reported preservation of backfill funding of commercial and industrial property tax for Fiscal Years 17 and 18. • Challenges with pending income tax reform 2) Protection of public sector employee collective bargaining rights - • City AFSCME contract (to June 2021) renewed prior to new bill taking effect. • State legislation restricts an arbitrator's award for an increase in wages • State legislation changes to worker's compensation laws • State legislation bans allowing cities to use project labor agreements on projects 3) Protect Home rule authority for local governments - • State legislation removes local authority action on minimum wage and plastic bags • State legislation on residential occupancy based on familial status • Possession of marijuana penalties — did not pass this year 4) Advocate for additional water and wastewater infrastructure funding - • How to fund for improvements Other Legislative Issues discussed: • Sale and use of fireworks (SF489) — See Action Item (1) following. • Firearms (HF517) expanding gun rights —See Action Item (2) following. Council Members discussed furthering our priorities through the League of Cities and Metro Coalition. Also the importance in getting the right candidates elected into office. ACTION: (1) The Police and Fire Departments will prepare information supporting their recommendation for a continued ban on firework usage in City limits. Staff will work together to prepare the necessary code amendment for next meeting. Council Work Session May 16, 2017 Page 2 (2) City Manager staff will work with the Police Department to establish and communicate appropriate protocol for any individual that brings a firearm onto City property. (3) The City Attorney's Office will draft a brief memo describing the Council's authority to set wage rates for contractors given recent changes in state law. (4) Staff will follow-up with Governor's office staff and attempt to schedule a meeting for discussion of issues this summer or fall. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS • (Agenda Items 11, 12, 13, 14 Workforce Housing Credits)... Mayor Throgmorton commented he would like to see some type of criteria used when deciding on workforce housing tax application. Council Member Mims noted that applicant is getting themselves in line for monies taking into consideration how far out the resources are committed and recognizing compliance with Comp Plan aspect. Discussion tabled to formal meeting. • (Item 4d(14) Easement Agreement Hoover (East) Elementary)... It was noted that this time will be removed from formal agenda at this time. INFORMATION PACKET DISCUSSION IMay 4, May 111 ➢ May 4 1. (IP 4— Iowa City to host 2018 Cities of Literature)... Council Member Mims said she was excited to see that we are hosting the 2018 Cities of Literature meeting. 2. (IP 5 — Article... What You Should Know — Elected Leaders and Economic development) ... Council Member Mims thanked City Manager Fruin for memo on economic development. 3. (IP 2 — Listening Post Summary Report)... Mayor Throgmorton asked Council Members Thomas and Taylor about the recent listening post. Both Council Member Thomas and Council Member Taylor had positive feedback from the listening post and it's positive way of bringing the community together... Traffic patterns, traffic speeds and police substation were some of the issues discussed. (Council Member Cole brought up follow up with issues discussed and an update report at a later time.) Council Member Mims suggesting using a sign in sheet and getting individuals contact information for follow up purposes on issues. Staff will follow up with a Party in the Park schedule for Council to review locations for next Listening Post this summer. ➢ May 11 1. (IP 2 — Pending Work Session Topics)... Future items for work session discussion include Code review in light of Lusk property project, Bike Master Plan and Gilbert Street concept, residential occupancy. Staff will discuss the neighborhood stabilization topic at the June 6th work session. Meeting ended 6:15 p.m.