HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.26.20.council work session minutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 26, 2020
4:20 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon joined by telephone and
Margaret Klein was present.
Moved by Morrissey seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of an electronic records, electronic signatures, and contract execution
ordinance amendment.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, provided an overview of the electronic signature collection process and
the related ordinance amendment.
Mrs. Juon commented on her support of the process.
Mr. Grieder questioned if other cities of our size are using this company.
Kelley Felchle explained there are currently not any cities in Iowa but the practice is widely used
by communities on both coasts. She further explained she selected this company based on pricing
and that their software easily integrates with our document management system.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if this selection requires the use of the bidding process.
Kelley Felchle stated it does not.
Objective: Update from Grow Cedar Valley (GCV).
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, provided an overview of the
contract with Grow Cedar Valley.
Council recessed at 4:28 p.m. to wait for the next meeting.
Bryan Earnest, Grow Cedar Valley Board Chair, thanked the council for the opportunity to provide
an update on GCV's activities over the last six months.
Lisa Skubal, GCV, provided an update on economic development activities they have engaged in
the last six months, including an overview of virtual outreach plans for the balance of the fiscal
year. She commented on the recent opportunity to hold Zoom meetings with some members of
council where details of their work and progress have been shared, and welcomed additional
opportunities to share and gain feedback on how they can further support the City of Waterloo.
Will Frost, Talent Resource Specialist, explained that prior to COVID-19, they were working to
integrate minorities into the work force, particularly in the wake of the 24-7 Wall Street report.
Now the focus is on helping employers survive, perform, and transform.
Wes James, TechWorks Campus, provided an update on progress made at the TechWorks Campus.
Lincoln Savings Bank is moving forward with their expansion. The skywalk between the buildings
has been removed and will be replaced with period windows, a roof replacement is underway, and
plumbing work is in progress as well.
Cary Darrah, President and CEO GCV, stated that Wes and Will are working with John Deere on
programming that would support automation in the work force.
Jim Schaeffer, Director of Investor Relations GCV, explained that he is here to take the message
of their staff and encourage continued investment in the organization and the community.
Mrs. Juon questioned if a couple sizeable prospects are still interested in Waterloo.
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Lisa Skubal provided an update on two companies that are still very much interested in looking to
Waterloo for their expansion. She commended city staff on their ability to make Waterloo
attractive to development.
Sharon Juon thanked GCV and Cary Darrah for helping develop training for the Fair Chance
Initiative.
Mr. Morrissey commented that the Fair Chance Ordinance will go into effect in July and
questioned how GCV will train and educate businesses looking to do business in Waterloo.
Cary Darrah explained that there are many businesses that use the practice voluntarily and she
does not see this ordinance as a negative as long as they are forthcoming with the prospects before
they get to the area.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he hopes that GCV projects the progressive spirit of the ordinance
and of the council's vision for the community.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Grieder seconded by Feuss that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:08 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk