HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-20 Council minutesCITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 28, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Electronic Council Work Session, April 20, 2021, 4:30 PM, Zoom Meeting Platform
Council: Bergus, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner
UISG: Longenecker, Van Heukelom
Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Kilburg, Dulek, Fruehling, Seydell-Johnson, Knoche, Bockenstedt,
Coleman, Carman, Hightshoe, Nagle-Gamm, Ford
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant 3o Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due
to concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by
COVID-19.
Mayor Teague noted the delay for the work session was to give staff and the public the opportunity to
hear the verdict for of the trial of officer Derek Chauvin regarding the George Floyd case.
COVID Update
City Manager Fruin referenced the memos (IP4 and IP5) from the April 151' Information packet and
asked for Council guidance. Parks & Recreation Director Seydell-Johnson, City Manager Fruin (for the
Senior Center) and Library Director Carman gave COVID facility/program updates. Assistant City
Manager Monroe summarized the three options available for physical space requirements. Interim City
Attorney Dulek provided additional information. Individual Council members expressed their views.
City Manager Fruin provided information regarding City boards and commissions for discussion
regarding in person meetings. Individual Council members expressed their views. Assistant City
Manager Monroe offered additional information.
Action: Staff will work together on planning for in-person meetings in a temporary larger space such as
at Robert A. Lee or The Center. Among planning considerations will be seating, sound, security and air
handling systems. No date has been set for such transition.
The City Council expressed openness to having individual boards and commissions move to in-person
meetings prior to the City Council making such decision. If a board or commission expresses such a
desire, staff liaisons are expected to review safety protocols with the City Manager's Office prior to final
authorization.
Staff will coordinate with others as needed to fully develop and implement plans for video recording /
archiving (at a minimum) and/or livestreaming all board and commission meetings. Such plans need to
include required budget amendments and staffing authorizations
Council Work Session
April 20, 2021
Page 2
Clarification of Agenda Items
• [7.b] Early Call of the 2012D Taxable Urban Renewal Revenue Bonds ... Councilor Mims requested
staff to elaborate during the formal meeting how the City is managing the outstanding bonds.
Information Packet Discussion [April 8, April 151
➢ April
1. (IP2, Memo from City Manager: Update on CPRB Recommendations to the City Council)
City Manager Fruin gave an update regarding the ordinance amendment.
➢ April 15
1. (IP7, Memo from City Manager: Follow-up Changes to the City's Historic Preservation
Handbook) City Manager Fruin gave an brief summary of the memo and asked for
Council guidance. Individual Council members expressed their views.
Action: Staff will assist the Historic Preservation Commission with their review of the
siding exception issue. Staff will also let the Court Street homeowner know that no
exception will be considered by the City Council in the next 90 days.
2. (IP8, Memo from City Attorney: Protest Activity -First Amendment parameters)
Councilor Weiner thanked City Attorney Dilkes for all the information provided in the
memo.
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions and committees
Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions and committees.
Adjourn 5:37 p.m.