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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/14/2020 - City Council - City Council Meeting Minutes - Jerrilea Crawford, Mayor 5-14-2020 Council Workshop Minutes Page 1 of 3 CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE 271 9th Street NE * East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Phone (509) 884-9515 * Fax (509) 886-6233 City Council Workshop Zoom Online Meeting East Wenatchee City Hall 271 9th St. NE East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Minutes Thursday, May 14, 2020 In attendance: Josh DeLay, Finance Director Mayor Crawford Lori Barnett, Community Development Director Councilmember Sterk Devin Poulson, City Attorney Councilmember Raab Tom Wachholder, Proj. Development Manager Councilmember Tidd Ike Lasswell, Information Systems Manager Councilmember Sleiman Mary Beth Phillips, Court Administrator Councilmember Magdoff Trina Elmes, Events Director / PIO Councilmember Johnson Maria Holman, City Clerk Councilmember Hepner 5:30 p.m. Council Workshop. Councilmember Magdoff opened the meeting. 1. Community Development Director Lori Barnett discussed the CARES CDBG funds, and CARES Act funds. Ms. Barnett asked the Council for guidance on how to distribute the funds as she will need to make decisions soon. Finance Director Josh DeLay said that the Stare CARES Act funds will be on a reimbursement status from the State. Community Development Director Lori Barnett recommended that the CARES CDBG funds ($133,000) be distributed to Micro Businesses grants only. And, the CARES Act funds be distributed as follows: b. $100,000 to the City for COVID related expenses, c. $12,000 to support the Mobile Meals program d. And, rental assistance and mortgage payment programs along with other programs to be determined. Comment provided by all Councilmembers. The Council asked Ms. Barnett to move forward with the recommendation. 5-14-2020 Council Workshop Minutes Page 2 of 3 2. Mayor Crawford shared that the Eastmont Metropolitan District Director Sally Brawley communicated to the Mayor that the District has not received any COVID funding. Ms. Brawley expressed concern that there may be COVID related expenses with their summer childcare programs. Community Development Lori Barnett responded that this may be a qualifying request if the Parks District identifies a project. 3. Information Systems Manager Ike Lasswell talked to the Council regarding upgrading the City’s data backup, restore and archive system. This project is in the 2020 Budget, with an estimated cost of $35,000. This project is needed for increased capacity, to allow growth, for Police backups that are CJIS Certified and Office 365 recommended backups. The Council asked Mr. Lasswell to move forward with RFP to secure the needed software. 4. Mayor Crawford reminded the Council that there are previous agenda items that have been temporarily tabled (e.g. Houston Street concerns, Humane Society and the cat issues, and car tab fees). These topics will be discussed at a later time and remain pending. 5. Councilmember Johnson asked about the car tab fees. Mayor Crawford commented on the Supreme Court case that is pending. City Attorney Devin Poulson responded that it is likely there will not be an outcome until August 2020. 6. Finance Director Josh DeLay spoke regarding sales tax returns and speculation of a 25% economic contraction. Mr. DeLay said that the March numbers will be available at the end of May. 7. Mayor Crawford shared that she sent a letter to Governor Inslee regarding the COVID-19 and requesting a modified phase II upgrade for our Community. The request was denied by the Governor, this was an attempt by local leaders to move our valley along. The Mayor reminded the Council that she shared the letter when it was sent. 8. Councilmember Sleiman shared that the Wenatchee Valley Chamber is developing a checklist for businesses to start preparing for phase II of the Governor’s plan to reopen. Additionally, they are working on safety precautions for businesses that will help consumers feel safe. 9. Councilmember Magdoff asked the Council about emails that she received regarding contact tracing. City Attorney Devin Poulson spoke about “Oneclick Policies” emails, HB 6666, and recommended citizen concerns be directed to WA State representatives since they are the ones that will vote on the Bill. 10. Councilmember Johnson asked if the City of East Wenatchee Police Department had a stance regarding contact tracing? Councilmember Johnson was asked by a community member. Mayor Crawford responded that our Police Department does not have a stance.