HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15 Council minutesr
I -4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
'�� MEMORANDUM
Date: June 22, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Electronic Council Work Session, June 15, 2021, 4:00 p.m., Zoom Meeting Platform
Council: Bergus, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner
Staff: Fruin, Goers, Fruehling, Hightshoe, Sitzman, Russett, Bockenstedt, Ford, Grier, Hektoen
USG: Van Heukelom, Miglin
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to 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 outlined the format for the work session.
American Rescue Plan Act Outreach & Engagement
City Manager Fruin summarized the memo (IP2) from the June 10th information packet and provided
information regarding City Assisted COVID-19 Housing Programs (IP7 of the June 101 information
packet). Individual Council members expressed their views.
Neighborhood and Development Services Director Hightshoe provided information regarding
correspondence from the Executive Director Shelter House, Crissy Canganelli (included in the 6/14/21
late handouts). Individual Council members expressed their views.
Action: Staff will incorporate outreach to immigrant populations as part of the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) engagement effort and also consider attending a Diversity Market to gather feedback.
Neighborhood and Development Services will work with Shelter House to amend the local eviction
prevention program. The program should permit applications from undocumented residents of Iowa City
without consideration of application to other state or federal programs. As of July 1, the program
should start clean with a second round and permit applications from individuals or households that
previously maxed out assistance. The second round will mirror the first by allowing 3 months of
assistance up to a max of $3200.
Planning & Zoning Commissioners present: Michael Hensch (Chair), Mark Signs (Vice Chair), ME
Elliott, Phoebe Martin (Secretary), Mark Nolte, Susan Craig (5:35 pm)
Planning & Zoning members explained methods and viewpoints used when voting on the
recommendation to City Council at the May 6, 2021 Planning & Zoning meeting. Individual Council
members expressed their views.
Clarification of Agenda items
No discussion.
Council Work Session
June 15, 2021
Page 2
Information Packet Discussion [June 3, June 101
➢ June 3 — no discussion.
➢ June 10
1. (IP1, Council Tentative Meeting Schedule) Mayor Teague noted the change in the
summer schedule and new location when transitioning back to in-person meetings for
the July 611 Council meeting.
Action: The summer Council meeting schedule will be July 6th, July 27th and August
17th.
2. (IP8, Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Neighborhood &
Development Services Annual Report) Councilor Bergus mentioned the annual report
and suggested promoting the information on the City website.
Action: Staff will look for opportunities to promote the department's Annual Report.
3. (1136, Memo from City Clerk: Transition to in-person meetings) City Manager Fruin
summarized the memo and asked for Council direction regarding mask requirements.
Individual Council members expressed their views.
Mayor Pro Tem Salih noted she would be gone in July and would like to call in for
Council meetings.
Action: For the July meetings at The Center, staff will ensure disinfecting wipes are near
the podium and that masks are made available for the public. There will be no
requirement to wear masks. The Clerk's Office will work with ITS to develop phone-in
options for Council Members that cannot attend in-person.
No discuss
Adjourn 5:43 p.m.