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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08/17/2015COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 17, 2015 4:15p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, and Welper. Members absent: Cole Mayor, Pio-Tem Hart presiding Moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. 2016 Professional Services Agreement between the City of Waterloo and Main Street Waterloo Noel Anderson, 'Community Planning and Development Director, explained that Main Street Waterloo is asking for an increase in the funding it receives from the City. Jeff Kurtz, Main Street Waterloo Director, requested the level of support increase from $40,000 to $50,000. It was explained that the rate has not increased in over five years. Main Street Waterloo provides historic preservation, economic development, design review, hosts events, coordinates holiday decorations for downtown, secures volunteers, manages the small business incubator, and seeks grants. The total annual 'operating budget is under $400,000. Mr. Kurtz further explained that a SMID district needs to be put into place to take the organization to the next level and must be decided upon by the business owners who are "within Main Street Waterloo's service district. "Mr. Welper questioned if Main Street Waterloo approached the City prior to setting the budget as to where the increased revenue would come from. Mr. Jones suggested utilizing Hotel/Motel discretionary funds. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that the Hotel/Motel fund has a balance. Mr. Morrissey asked for an explanation on SMID, for an update on marketing strategies and the relationship between the organization and media outlets, and where the of the SMID; are located. Mr. Kurtz explained that SMID is a self -taxing district within the City agreed upon by property .owners to be utilized on various improvements to property downtown. For marketing, they use e- mail newsletters, have updated the website, and want to undertake a rebranding campaign. They hold newsworthy events to attract media attention to save on advertising costs. The boundary on the north is the south side of 3rd Street, south boundary is 6th Street, excluding Stoner Radiator, Franklin Street is the east boundary, and Washington Street is the western boundary. They are looking at adding more property to the boundary. Mr. Lind asked if the $400,000 budget breaks even and if State funding is available. Jeff Kurtz explained crowds have declined at some of the events and that has affected the budget. State funding is not available. Mr. Lind asked if City staff could do what Main Street Waterloo does for $50,000 or less. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained the funds would not be enough to hire additional City staff to replace Main Street Waterloo, plus the organization helps create economic development. Mr. Schmitt asked how much revenue a SMID would create. Jeff Kurtz explained the SMID would bring in approximately $200,000. Mr. Schmitt suggested the City reduce or stop contributing funds if a SMID is put into effect., Page 2 Mr. Kurtz explained he wants to increase services so it would need to be evaluated. Mr. Schmitt asked about the Farmers' Market. Mr. Kurtz explained that Main Street Waterloo quit managing the Farmers' Market four years ago. Mr. Jones added that the funds would need to come out of the Hotel/Motel Fund and not General Fund. Mr. Morrissey expressed optimism for a vital future for Main Street Waterloo. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 4:51 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Suzy Sc ares, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director OUNCIL WORK SESSION August 24, 2015 4:OOp.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Mr. Jones arrived at 4:20 p.m. Members 'Absent: Cole and Jones Moved by Hart seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Discussion of Ban the Box: Abraham Funchess, Human Rights Director, explained the goal of the "Ban the Box" movement and the benefits of the having a Fair Chance policy. The movement and policy encourage employers and landlords to remove the questions of criminal history from the initial job application, ensuring that applicants are considered for their qualifications first. Ron Wood, Human Rights Commission Chair, gave his background as a HR professional at Tyson Foods. He explained that implementing a "Ban the Box" policy citywide would not only help the applicant but would help the employer by preventing them from violating federal -law. Mr. Funchess explained "that the Commission is asking the City to pass an ordinance to hold public and private eniployers and landlords accountable to do their due diligence during the application process. Mr. Schmitt questioned what constitutes a felony and what other cities have implemented this policy. 3 It was explained that felonies are defined by State Code and no other cities in Iowa that have passed' the law or policy. Mr. Lind questioned if this would be better to pass at the State level. Mr. Funchess explained that as a diverse city, Waterloo would. send a very powerful message. The Commission has been getting information out to the community over the last 3 years. Suzy Schares, City Clerk/HR Director, explained that the City of Waterloo does not ask about criminal history until all qualifications are reviewed and the applicant is being considered for an interview. Mr. Morrissey; asked if getting rid of applications based on criminal history violated federal law and it was confirmed that it does. He reiterated that this ordinance would follow through and clean up with what employers are already supposed to be doing. He noted that the City can lead the way and then the State can join. Mr. Funchess explained the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission welcomes the movement as it helps enforce a law that is already in place. Mr. Hart noted that there are 18 states that have some form of "Ban the Box" legislation and some of those states border the State of Iowa. Mr. Lind questioned if this would diminish the veteran's preference during the hiring process. Mr. Woods explained that it would not have anything to do with the veteran's preference and an HR professional's job is to determine if the criminal history has any bearing on the job the individual is being hired for. Mr. Funchess explained that the Commission is not asking employers to not look at the criminal act, it just needs to be looked at to see if the criminal activity would have any impact . on the position being hired for. Page 2 Mayor Clark noted that he will confirm what authority the City has to pass the Ordinance and will work with the Human Rights Director to ensure that if legislation is brought forward landlords and employers are notified. Objective: Discussion of Memorandum of Agreement regarding Council oversight of Cultural and Scientific Facilities Levy on the ballot on November 3, 2015. Judy Berfine, 2216 High Gate Lane Cedar Falls, explained that the Cultural and Scientific Facilities Levy was brought forward in 2013 and it failed but what was asked for was more oversight. The District has brought forward a resolution designating two Council seats on the board and will give oversight of budget financials to a committee and will provide semi-annual reports, annual budget, and annual audit to Council. Mr. Lind asked that one of the Council members should be an at -large councilperson and there should be 3 councilmembers on the board with one being on the budget oversight meeting. He asked if the Grout would consider having the board meetings open to the public. Mr: Lind asked why the Grout Museum is asking for $600,000 when the expenses only exceed revenue 'by $260,000. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that .27 is approximately $600,000. She `explained tliat all properties will be subject to the levy subject to rollback. Ms. Berfine explained that raises have not been given for the last two year. The Grout is utilizing an endowment that is depleting and is very dependent on donations that may not continue at the level they have been. Mr. Schmitt asked how other museums are funded. Billie Bailey explained that many museums are funded similar to the way the Grout is funded consisting of earned revenue (admissions), grants, and private donations. The average museum receives 24% of its revenue from government agencies. The Grout is trying to secure a funding stream. Mr. Schmitt asked to clarify if the levy would be unique to other cities in Iowa. Ms. Bailey explained that three communities in Iowa currently have a levy of this kind. Mr. Welper explained that all councilmembers represent the City of Waterloo. Mr. Morrissey asked how much of the endowment has been used that needs to be repaid. Ms. Berfine noted that $400,000 has been used. Mayor Clark clarified that the item on the agenda creates the oversight committee that will oversee the funds if the ballot measure passes. Mr. Schmitt explained that this is different from' the relationship with Main Street because this is a levy. Michelle Weidner, questioned make-up of the board. Judy explained that they have 16 board members and two of them are councilmembers. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Suzy Schar: s, CMC City Clerk/Hunian Resource Director