Committee of the Whole Meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers June 1, 2020 The Committee of the Whole met at City Hall via teleconference at 6:25 p.m. on June 1, 2020, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Robert M. Green, Frank Darrah, Susan deBuhr, Simon Harding, Daryl Kruse, Mark Miller, Dave Sires, and Nick Taiber. Staff members attended from all City Departments, as well as members of the community teleconferenced in. The Mayor introduced the second item on the agenda Grow Cedar Valley Update. Cary Darrah, President, made some opening remarks and introduced Lisa Skubal. Ms. Skubal reviewed the external marketing campaign and recent development. She stated external projects continue to be active in the past couple of months for site selections, even with the pandemic. Staff has been re-evaluating marketing trips both nationwide and international, due to the pandemic, postponing some trade shows. She stated they are encouraging small business to apply for funding and have Covid-19 resources on their web page. Ms. Skubal stated her and Shane Graham have worked with area businesses to complete a State of Iowa survey on the impact of Covid-19. Ms. Darrah reviewed the unemployment rate, which has increased to around 14% from 2.75%, due to the pandemic. She introduced Will Frost, Director of Talent Development. Mr. Frost stated they are monitoring the unemployment rate and stated this has created an opportunity to get the unemployed reengaged and we have been helping employers work from home. He stated the Economic Inclusion Conference is planned for October and they hope for 300 participants. Ms. Darrah stated they have hosted various webinars and other virtual opportunities for businesses. Jim Schaefer stated he has spoken to the investors and they remain upbeat and we need to stick together as a community to get through this. He also thanked the City for their partnership. Ms. Darrah stated they continue to have some employees work from home and this has been good due to the construction in the Tech. I building and they do have a plan to return to the office. She stated they will available by appointment until the offices are reopened. There being no discussion, Mayor Green moved to the final item on the agenda, bills and payroll. Susan deBuhr moved to approve the bills and payroll as presented, and Simon Harding seconded the motion. Upon call of the roll, the following named Councilmembers voted. Aye: Miller, deBuhr, Kruse, Harding, Darrah, Sires, Taiber. Nay: None. The motion carried unanimously. There being no further, Simon Harding moved for adjournment. Susan deBuhr seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer