HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-05 Council minutes®diXNIN�_
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 12, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Electronic Council Work Session, May 5, 2020, 5:00 PM, Zoom Meeting Platform
Council: Bergus, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner
UISG: Longnecker, Van Heukelom
Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Dilkes, Fruehling, Knoche, Havel, Bockenstedt, Seydell-Johnson,
Hightshoe, Kubly, Rackis
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due
to concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by
COVID-19.
COVID-19 Update
City Manager Fruin gave an update on Parks & Recreation services which included: City Park Pools,
Summer Programming, Employee Child Care Camp, Baseball/Softball fields, Farmers Market, and
other City events.
Fruin made statements regarding the long-term financial impact of COVID-19. Finance Director
Bockenstedt presented a power point on the current financial impacts of COVID-19 by fund structure
reviewing revenues and expenses.
Fruin also noted staff was working on two options for recovery framework to present on May 1911 for
Council direction. The first being regional and Johnson County based through the'Better Together'
recovery committee which would have a City Council representative serving with the City Manager.
The second option looking at how the City can help residences, businesses and non -profits.
City Manager Fruin asked for Council direction on the following items:
1. Council feedback on re -opening plans.
2. Sidewalk Cafe fee waiver for 2020
3. July 1, 2020 5% water rate increase — delay for 3 months
Individual Council members expressed their views. City Manager Fruin and Finance Director
Bockenstedt provided additional information.
Action:
Staff will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 and will pursue strategies to
mitigate revenue losses.
Staff will coordinate on action needed to waive cafe fees for the 2020 season. Rebates shall be
provided to those that have already paid the fee.
Council Work Session
May 5, 2020
Page 2
• Staff will work on action needed to implement a 3 -month delay in the planned July 1, 2020 5%
water rate increase.
• Staff will present some draft recovery options and seek council feedback on any specific
strategies that they want to staff to pursue at the May 19"' work session.
Continue Development of the 2020-21 Strategic Plan
The strategic plan discussion was deferred and will be carried over to the May 191 work session. Staff
will repost the supporting documents in the May 141' Information Packet.
Clarification of Agenda Items
• [8.c] Prairie Restoration... Mayor Teague asked if staff had recommendations or comments
based on the feedback received form the public. City Manager Fruin noted discussions with
Parks & Recreation Director Seydell-Johnson regarding citizen concerns/input and the reduction
of areas within the plan and gave a brief summary of the proposed reductions. Individual
Council members expressed their views.
Information Packet Discussion [April 23, April 301
➢ April 23 — no discussion
➢
April 30
1. (IP5/IP6, Letter from Mayor & Council to Governor Reynolds: COVID-19/ Letter from
Mayor to the Muscatine Council Board of Supervisors: Muscatine Jail Administrator)
Council member Taylor stated they were both very well written.
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions and committees
Discussion was deferred to the formal meeting to be combined with City Council Information (Item 20).
Adjourn 6:45 p.m.