HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-05 Council minutesr
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MEMO UM
Date: September 11, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Grace, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, September 5, 2023 — 4:01 p.m. at City Hall in Emma J Harvat Hall
Council: Alter, Bergus, Harmsen, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Dunn .
Staff: Fruin, Jones, Kilburg, Goers, Grace, Hightshoe, Seydell Johnson, Barker, Davies,
Morgan, Knoche, Havel, Sovers, Olson, Nagle-Gamm
USG: LeFevre, Monsivais
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
1. FY25 Budget Discussion
City Manager Fruin gave a brief timeline for the budget review process and discussed the past,
current, and future fiscal climates. Fruin also noted items from the memo (IP3) in the 8/31
Information Packet and answered Council questions. Finance Director Davies provided additional
information. Individual council members expressed their views. Topic areas of emphasis
expressed by Councilors included:
o Permanent funding for fare free transit service
o Childcare
o Affordable housing — emphasis noted on chronically homeless
o Poverty reduction
o Quality of life initiatives
o Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
o Traffic safety
o Prevention and diversion of police calls for service
o Data analyst position in the Police Department
o Inclusive economic development initiatives
Action: A request was received for departments to speak to the performance goals in the budget
and why they are important to track for their operations in context of the Council's strategic plan.
Staff will consider whether this is best addressed in the budget document or in individual budget
presentations. No specific new budget goals were established but general consensus remained
focused on ensuring funding strategies are identified for the action items in the Strategic Plan.
2. Quarterly American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA-SLRF) update
City Manager Fruin briefly discussed and highlighted the cover memo distributed in the late
handouts from the 9/5 Supplemental Agenda. Neighborhood & Development Services Director
Hightshoe reviewed the remaining information from the memo (IP4) in the 8/31 Information Packet.
Individual Council members asked questions and expressed their views. The following points were
noted from the discussion:
September 5, 2023
Page 2
o Comments were received related to energy efficiency and renewable energy programs
for manufactured homes.
o Comments were received asking staff to consider proportionality in the proposed SSMID
grants and perhaps more specificity for uses that provide long-term benefits to the
community.
o Interest was expressed to learn more about the skate park project and current and
projected usage of the facility with the upcoming renovation.
Action: Staff will coordinate with the Shelter House on a memo updating the Council and public in
the eviction prevention initiative.
3. Clarification of Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tem Alter requested to pull item 6.e North First Avenue Improvements from the consent
agenda for separate consideration.
4. Information Packet Discussion [August 17, August 24, Auqust 311
➢ August 17 — No discussion.
➢ August 24 — No discussion.
➢ August 31
1._ (IP7: Iowa City Strategic Plan Progress Report: August 2023) Councilor Harmsen
encouraged folks to look over the report and noted that the transit ridership is up over
50%. Transportation Director Nagle Gamm provided additional information. Councilor
Bergus discussed the possibility of developing metrics that can accompany strategic
plan updates.
Action: Staff urged Council to consider a work session to talk through specific
expectations for such an initiative.
2. (IP5: Pending City Council Work Session Topics) Mayor Pro Tem Alter requested to
have invite School District for update on Universal Pre -K as well as other
stakeholders in the community. Mayor Teague requested to have that on next Joint
Entities meeting item. City Manager Fruin confirmed Councilor Thomas' suggestions
on an additional work session for the Land Use discussion and the community forum
on traffic safety. Mayor Pro Tem requested and update on Violence Intervention
group.
Action: Staff will note the desire to include a childcare initiative update at the next
Joint Entities meeting. This would include an update from the ICCSD on their pre-
school initiative, as well as updates from those involved in the local childcare
coalition. Staff will also add the following to the Pending List of work session topics:
o Discussion on the impact of land use decisions on long-term City financial health
o Discussion on traffic safety
It was noted that this may be a good time to schedule an update from the local
violence intervention team (currently on the Pending List)
September 5, 2023
Page 3
S. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates.
Noah LeFevre, USG Liaison, and Matthew Monsivais, USG Alternate Liaison presented updates.
6. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions, and committees.
Adjourn 5:27 p.m.