Standing Committee Meeting

MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEES Community Center September 6, 2022 The meeting of Standing Committees met at the Community Center at 5:15 p.m. on September 6, 2022, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Councilmembers Susan deBuhr, Kelly Dunn, Daryl Kruse, Simon Harding, Dustin Ganfield, Gil Schultz, and Dave Sires. Staff members from all City Departments and members of the community attended in person. Community Development Committee: Chair Harding called the meeting to order and introduced the first item on the Community Development Committee agenda, Hearst 2.0 and introduced Matthew Wilson, Treasurer of the Art & Culture Board, Stephanie Houk Sheetz, Director of Community Development and Jennifer Pickar, Tourism & Cultural Programs Manager. Mr. Wilson gave a brief overview on planning for a Hearst Center expansion and enhancing the quality of life in Cedar Falls. Director Sheetz gave an overview of the building condition, future needs, summary of timeline, and costs in CIP #48. Ms. Pickar outlined the importance of Hearst Engagement, core pillars, summer camps, gallery visits and quality of life. Mr. Wilson stated the Art & Culture Board recommends moving forward with RFP’s (Request for Proposal) on the master plan to develop a layout of the new facility on Seerley Blvd. Director Sheetz asked for council approval to move forward with a master plan (Included in CIP #77). Councilmembers discussed support of fundraising, location of Hearst Center, parking, and performance space. Following comments by Director Sheetz, it was moved by Dunn and seconded by Schultz to proceed with a Hearst Center master plan. The motion was put to vote. Aye: Schultz, deBuhr, Kruse, Harding, Ganfield, Sires, and Dunn; Nay: none. Motion carried. Chair Harding introduced the second item on the Community Development Committee agenda, Destination Iowa Grant Update and introduced Isaiah Corbin, Community Planner II, INRCOG. Mr. Corbin gave an overview of the Destination Iowa Grant, anchor projects in each of the city’s (Waterloo/Cedar Falls) downtown areas, the goals of the project (promote, elevate, transform, and enhance). The Destination Iowa application provides a maximum award per project of 40% with a requested match of 60%. Costs must be incurred or under contract before December 31, 2024, with projects completed by June 30, 2026. The City of Cedar Falls anchor projects include trees & Main Street bridge lighting, West 1st Street bridge lighting, Center Street bridge lighting and connector projects include updates to Olsen, Tourist, Washington, and Island Park. Total costs for Cedar Falls are $566,194 with a local match of $339,716. Councilmembers discussed other projects and city funding. Following comments by Cary Darrah, President/CEO of Grow Cedar Valley and Mr. Corbin, it was moved by Ganfield and seconded by Dunn to direct staff to bring back a resolution of support for the project to be included in the Destination Iowa Grant being prepared by INRCOG, to be submitted by the City of Waterloo with the City of Cedar Falls as a co-applicant providing a local project match of $339,716. The motion was put to vote. Aye: Schultz, Kruse, Harding, Ganfield, Sires and Dunn; Nay: deBuhr. Motion carried. Public Safety Committee: Chair Ganfield introduced the only item on the Public Safety Committee agenda, Orchard Hill Drive Fire Response and introduced Craig Berte, Public Safety Director; John Bostwick, Fire Chief; Shea McNamara, Public Safety Captain; and Derek Brown, Fire Captain. Director Berte gave an overview of the memo provided by Mayor Green that requested a review of the August 18, 2022, structure fire response on Orchard Hill Drive and a short presentation. Chief Bostwick stated his involvement in the response that included: overview of fire, call back, scene safety, family communication and insurance. Captain McNamara stated his involvement in the response that included: overview/360 review of fire, entry of house, interior attack of attic fire, extinguishing fire, making the scene safe, remaining on scene in case of regrowth of fire, firefighter injury and return to station. Councilmembers discussed improving scenes, training, standard operating guidelines and third-party review. Follow-up comments by Captain McNamara, Captain Brown, Chief Bostwick and Director Berte included: The Public Safety Department is staffed 24 hours per day, public is welcome to a tour or ride-along, monthly trainings, dedicated employees, staffing levels and 18 employees responded to the Orchard Hill Drive fire. Meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m. Minutes by Kim Kerr, Administrative Supervisor