HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11/18/2019COUNCIL WORK SESSION
November 18, 2019
4:05 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Feuss, Klein, Amos, and Juon. Mr. Morrissey arrived at 4:09
p.m. Mr. Schmitt arrived at 4:10 p.m. Absent: Jacobs.
Moved by Amos seconded by Kline that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote
Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Objective: Update from Grow Cedar Valley.
Chris Fereday, Grow Cedar Valley, thanked council for their support of Grow Cedar Valley. He
explained that a lot of change has taken place within the organization and that their primary
focus going forward is work force development and business retention.
Lisa Skubal, Grow Cedar Valley, provided an overview of economic development efforts in
recruiting new businesses to the Cedar Valley, maintaining open communication with current
businesses, and efforts to connect existing businesses to government resources.
Will Frost, Director of Talent Development at Grow Cedar Valley, explained that the
organization has continued to innovate using the Live the Valley platform to make the case why
living in Waterloo is not just a viable option but a rewarding one. Last month they traveled to
Denver, Colorado to meet with individuals who have left the Cedar Valley to educate them about
opportunities available in Waterloo. He explained that they are striving to make sure that the
local economy is accessible to everyone through the economic inclusion. He explained that they
provide economic inclusion training, and job talent recruitment and development.
Wes James, Cedar Valley TechWorks President, explained that they are on track to transfer the
top three floors to Lincoln Savings Bank and to transfer out lots to the city for future
development.
Cary Darrah, President Grow Cedar Valley, explained that her goal and role is to provide support
for staff to continue to do their job to the best of their ability and thanked the city for its support.
Mr. Amos requested an update on the 3-D printers in the TechWorks building.
Wes James provided an overview of 3-D printing and metal casting.
Mrs. Juon clarified that TechWorks is using the funds that LSB is paying to purchase the top
three floors to complete maintenance to the entire building.
Cary Darrah confirmed.
Cary Darrah commented that each month they are picking a segment of the population to focus
on for workshops, training, messaging, etc. such as the formally incarcerated, minorities,
disabilities, etc.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he is wanting the Human Rights Commission to bring forward
the racial equity toolkit and commented that he hopes that Grow Cedar Valley supports that. He
further commented that he would like to see them work on ways to encourage Theme Park
clientele to visit downtown Waterloo.
Cary Darrah explained they indeed support both ideas.
Objective: Bus route restructuring update from Metropolitan Transit and INRCOG.
Mark Little, General Manager of MET Transit, explained that MET Transit has worked with
INRCOG to restructure bus routes in the Cedar Valley. The goal is to implement the new routes
in July 2020. New routes will not be added but they are looking to provide a more efficient and
easier to use system.
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Codie Leseman, Transportation Specialist with INRCOG, provided an overview of the proposed
route restructuring.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if cost increases would need to be discussed during the February and
March budget discussions.
Mark Little explained that options 1 and 2 were requested by passengers and businesses and
Airline Highway was a study done by Cedar Valley Alliance.
Mark Little commented that this is different from the Paratransit service but that if times were
changed the paratransit changes would mirror the MET times.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the proposed route changes would include the Northeast Industrial
Site.
Mark Little explained that it was not included in this particular option and noted that service in
that area was provided about ten years ago with very little ridership.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Amos seconded by Schmitt that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kelley Fel
City Clerk