HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-17 Council minutes.,---I
.®4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
04
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 25, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Electronic Council Work Session, November 17, 2020, 5:00 PM, Zoom Meeting Platform
Council: Bergus, Mims, Salih (5:08 pm), Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner
UISG: Longenecker, Van Heukelom
Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Kilburg, Dilkes, Fruehling, Bowers, Brotherton, Grier, Hightshoe, Knoche,
Bockenstedt
(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.
Discuss goals and expectations for the 2021 Affordable Housing Plan
City Manager Fruin recapped the memo (IP3) of the November 12th Information packet and the series
of questions for City Council and opened the item up for direction. Mayor Teague shared the memo
during Council discussion. City Manager Fruin provided additional information. Individual Council
members expressed their views.
Action: Staff will meet to discuss preparations for the Affordable Housing Plan kickoff in 2021 and will
not be extending invitations To Council members for participation on the Steering Committee until
January or February.
COVID-19 Update
Individual Council members expressed their views and shared concern for increasing COVID numbers
and the hospital impact if those numbers continue to rise. The new Governor's orders were noted, and
Council members urged everyone to continue maintaining social distancing through the holidays, to
wear face coverings, and continue good hygiene practices.
Continue discussion of Resolution (20-159) of Initial Council Commitments addressina the
Black Lives Matter Movement and Systemic Racism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd
by the Minneapolis Police and calls for action from protesters and residents
Mayor Teague stated appointments for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission would be made at the
formal meeting. City Manager Fruin presented a power point and provided a status report update (IP4)
of the November 12th Information packet.
Clarification of Agenda Items
No discussion.
Council Work Session
November 17, 2020
Page 2
Information Packet Discussion (November 5, November 121
➢ November 5
1. (IP2, Memo from Human Rights Coordinator & Equity Director: Racial Equity Report
Card) Councilor Weiner remarked on the transparency of the document. Councilor
Bergus asked for clarification on the percent increase for criminal charges by race. City
Manager Fruin provided additional information.
2. (IP3, Letter from the Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County:
Report on Iowa City Affordable Housing Funding) City Manager Fruin pointed out funded
projects.
➢ November 12
1. (Memo from Finance Director: Proposed COVID-19 Utility Bill Relief Program) City
Manager Fruin summarized the memo and asked for Council direction. Finance Director
Bockenstedt provided additional information. Individual Council members expressed
their views.
Action: Staff will begin planning for the outlined utility bill collection procedures. The City
Council directed staff to push the milestone dates back one month and reserved the right
to change course closer to the implementation date based on the local conditions
caused by the state of the pandemic. Staff will prepare a Mayor's Order to extend the
delay of the 5% water rate increase to July 1, 2021.
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions and committees
No updates.
Adjourn 6:35 p.m.