HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.22.20.work session minutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 22, 2020
3:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon. Mr. Feuss arrived
at 4:20 p.m.
Moved by Juon seconded by Grieder that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes:
Six. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of parking ramp equipment changes.
John Rouse, Republic Parking, provided an overview of parking rate change proposals for the
parking ramp.
Dave Boesen requested clarification on daily caps.
John Rouse commented that one thing that they want to encourage is pedestrian traffic to drive
additional business downtown.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, commented that hotel customers would be able to have
their parking validated by the hotel.
Sharon Juon questioned how long it would take to implement something similar for Park Avenue
and if this technology could be used for on -street parking.
John Rouse commented that the technology is driven for parking ramps and parking lots, but not
on street parking.
Michelle Weidner commented that the Commercial Street ramp is the only ramp using this
equipment, the other parking ramp utilizes a mix of meters and monthly paid parking.
John Rouse commented that it will require additional investment and traditionally, the City of
Waterloo has paid for this.
Mr. Morrissey questioned where the increase in revenue would go and if the increase would require
council approval.
John Rouse confirmed it would need council approval. He recommended that the increased fee be
used for infrastructure improvements, especially with the coming on line soon.
Michelle Weidner commented that the revenue would go to the parking budget to offset the
operational expenses.
Mr. Feuss joined at 4:20 p.m.
Mrs. Juon commented that she is in favor of Option 3 with the first hour free.
Objective: Discussion of the Racial Equity and Social Justice Toolkit.
Abraham Funchess, Executive Director of the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights, provided
an overview of the Racial Equity and Social Justice Toolkit.
Mayor asked for council input on moving forward with the toolkit.
Mr. Grieder commented that he contacted council members in Iowa City and Seattle about
implementation of this toolkit. He stated that the elected officials were getting better information
from constituents but that it did require training by city staff to understand how it works and how
to implement the toolkit.
Mr. Morrissey questioned how the use of the toolkit would be overseen to ensure it is followed.
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Abraham Funchess commented that in Seattle, the toolkit is administered by the Human Rights
Department. He explained that his department would work with the directors in other city
departments to implement the toolkit.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he believes the toolkit needs to be codified as an ordinance.
Mayor Hart commented that he will review the toolkit to ensure its ability to be implemented long
term.
Mr. Boesen questioned if additional handouts were brought to the council chambers.
Abraham Funchess confirmed that he did bring a supplemental piece that more clearly defines the
materials already distributed to council.
Mr. Boesen questioned what triggers the toolkit to come into action.
Abraham Funchess explained that discrimination sometimes results from well-meaning
individuals so this toolkit helps to ensure that decisions are not being made that will inadvertently
affect any particular demographic within the city in a negative way.
Mrs. Klein questioned who would be involved in the penalty fee structure and also commented
that she was very proud of how Waterloo handled itself during the recent protests despite not
having the toolkit in comparison to Seattle's ongoing turmoil, who does have the toolkit.
Abraham Funchess provided clarification on who would be involved in the decision of fees.
Mr. Amos commented that people may not realize that there are aspects of our system that are not
fair. He asked everyone to be open minded about ways that we have the ability to change. He
stated that, to him, the toolkit is a lens to look at a policy change in a non -biased manner
Mrs. Juon questioned if we are talking about programs, construction projects, projects owned by a
private sector where the public sector contributes funding. She asked that Mr. Funchess take a
very specific example project and apply the toolkit to help everyone better understand its impact.
She also questioned to what extent it could draw out the decision making project. She also
questioned where the toolkit fits within the decision making process.
Abraham Funchess commented that some projects would not be delayed but other larger projects
may be delayed. The toolkit will require collaborative leadership. It would require partnerships
with Grow Cedar Valley, and other outside organizations as well.
Mr. Morrissey encouraged codifying this toolkit prior to the end of the summer. He further
commented that he would like to see the Human Rights give approval on development agreements
or other projects and policies.
Mayor Hart commented that it sounds like the council is in favor of this and stated that he will be
sitting down with the director to work on implementation moving forward.
Objective: Discussion of the Ridgeway Avenue Traffic Study results.
Bryan Benjamin, MSA Consultants, provided an overview of the Ridgeway Avenue Traffic Study.
Council members then discussed the results of the traffic study and options for road reconstruction
with the Bryan Benjamin and Traffic Operations staff.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Juon seconded by Feuss that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:14 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kellen �elchle e
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk