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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.04.21 work session minutes COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 4, 2021 3:50 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon. 160494 -Grieder/Boesen That the Agenda, as proposed,be approved. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 160495 -Grieder/Feuss That the Minutes of September 20 2021, as proposed, be approved. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Objective: Discussion of a resolution establishing a bereavement policy for loss of pregnancy. Mr. Grieder addressed the council regarding the current bereavement policy and recommended adopting a resolution extending the bereavement policy to both parents in cases of loss of pregnancy and have the Human Resources department draft the appropriate language for council approval. Mr. Boesen questioned if there will be a differentiation regarding early trimesters. Lance Dunn, Human Resources Director, indicated they could include requiring documentation from a doctor to confirm pregnancy loss. He also stated it would take some time and discussions with the unions to add new language into the union contracts for those employees. Mrs. Juon questioned if they have researched what other cities policies are for loss of pregnancy and if these situations are covered under FMLA. Lance Dunn responded that this would qualify under FMLA if more time was needed than what is currently allowed under the bereavement policy. Mr. Boesen pointed out that the union contracts for bereavement are all different and that there needs to be uniform language for each contract. Lance Dunn responded that they would make the new language uniform under each contract and explained that FMLA does not cover paid leave but that the new language would offer some pay relief. Mr. Grieder stated he would like the language to allow three to four days bereavement leave for loss of pregnancy. Mr. Morrissey requested that the language define "parents"to make it all inclusive. Mr. Grieder explained the definition of"parent"should be exclusive to all parental units and that the definition and terminology will be left up to Human Resources Department. Mr. Morrissey stated he supports the concept but wanted to raise those issues to make sure language is inclusive. Lance Dunn stated he is willing to accept all input from the council for language. Mrs. Juon questioned if this could be applied to non-union staff now and then union staff upon completion of negotiations with the unions. She also indicated she does not believe it is appropriate to allow bereavement days for early pregnancies that are unknown. Objective: Department operations update from Waterloo Library and Cultural Arts. Page 2 Jillian Rutledge, Interim Library Director, provided an overview of the Waterloo Public Library's programs, services, building and grounds improvements, diversity, equity and inclusion plans and policies, strategic plan progress, visions and wish list. Council members and Mayor Hart commended Ms.Rutledge on her presentation and questioned if she was in the running as the permanent director? Ms. Rutledge replied that she has applied and interviewed for the position. Kent Shankle, Director Waterloo Center for the Arts, provided an overview of the Cultural & Arts Departments programs,plans and facilities. Mr. Morrissey commented that the exterior of the Arts Center was looking a little worn. Kent Shankle explained that some repairs are finished,repairs are ongoing to update the structure and soon they will have a beautiful new plaza entry and much increased parking capacity. Mr. Morrissey requested an artist rendering of the plaza construction for the council. Mrs. Juon questioned the timeline for the parking lot repairs and expansion and if the fountain will be replaced. Mr. Shankle explained that any fountain and its maintenance is problematic in Iowa and that the previous fountain was a barrier to patrons as it obstructed visibility and access to the facility. Mr. Shankle indicated they have preliminary plans for a canopy element at the center and feels when completed will be a cultural destination and icon for the community. Mrs. Juon commended the Center and staff for all of the activities brought to the community and expressed her appreciation for the murals. Klent Shankle explained the "Our freedom Story" created by the Youth Art Team connected to Civil Rights sites and the Phelps Youth Pavillion to address help race and culture, which the Youth Art Team turned into a public art piece along the walls of the River. Mr. Grieder expressed his appreciation for all they are doing, including bathroom accessibility at Mark's Park, and is happy the Youth Pavilion is open again. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the Youth Art depictions on the bridge canopy are complete. Kent Shankle responded that this is an ongoing project and that he anticipates it will be complete after Covid restrictions are no longer necessary. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there is preventative maintenance for the Amphitheatre stage. Kent Shankel responded there are more problems with engineering with sound and staging then maintenance. Mr. Morrissey requested a railing be placed on the trail along the curve so people don't go into river. Kent Shankle responded that this is a pedestrian walkway not a bike trail. Mr. Boesen stated he has addressed this question with the City Engineer and was also told this is a pedestrian walkway not a bike trail. Mr. Boesen questioned the total number of parking spaces after the renovations. Kent Shankle responded he would provide that information Mayor Hart thanked Mr. Shankle for his efforts. Page 3 160496 -Juon/Grieder that the meeting be adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. "'n. LeAnn M. Even, CMC, IaCMC Deputy City Clerk