Budget Hearings

MINUTES Budget Hearing Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 3:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call to Order Council Members Present: Janet Brekke, Christine M. Erickson, Alex Jensen, Rick Kiley, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg Council Chair Curt Soehl called the meeting to order at 3 p.m. 2. Budget Hearings A. Police Chief Jon Thum, Sioux Falls Police Department, reviewed the department's mission and outlined its priorities. Priorities include: protection of human life; protection of citizens' property; partnering with the community to promote a safe city with a strong quality of life; and enforcing the law, maintaining order, and serving as a community caretaker. He explained that one of the department's biggest challenges has been keeping up with the growth of the City, particularly with respect to new hires. Thum showed how the population continues to grow at a rate of approximately 4,000 residents per year with calls for service increasing by approximately 4% over the past three years. As a result, the proposed $46M budget includes three police officers, one Patrol Sergeant, and one animal control officer. Also included in the budget is an increase in funding for victim support and advocacy services as well as Metro Communications funding. The budget also reflects a commitment to officer safety and equipment. In 2022, the department will start a new five-year contract to upgrade Taser equipment, which has reached its useful life. The department will also be replacing SWAT personal body armor, purchasing body cameras, and replacing patrol vehicles and radios. Discussion followed about: wage and benefit adjustments; manning; the impact of special events on manning and wages; the use of body cameras; accreditation; and patrol vehicles. B. Fire Chief Mike McAreavey, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, provided an overview of the department's commitment to service. This includes All Hazards Response (Fire, EMS, USAR, and HAZMAT), as well as community risk reduction, emergency management partnerships, and maintaining national accreditation and the ISO 1  rating. The $34.1M proposed budget includes the addition of two part-time positions to support EMS and training operations; the initial purchase of turnout gear and uniforms for the new Station 12 crew, PPE kits for HAZMAT and USAR, and a software upgrade for medvaults. Capital expenditures include dive rescue equipment and future station investments. The department will also invest in digital signage at stations around the City along with facilities repair and maintenance and radios. Discussion followed about: staffing needs at stations; the accreditation program; mutual aid response; ALS certification; and, the impact of new industry growth on fire prevention. C. Public Health Charles Chima, Ph.D., Director of Public Health, explained that the department improves quality of life and protects and promotes health and well-being for the residents of Sioux Falls by: 1) enabling equitable access to primary health services; 2) preparing the community to respond and recover from disease outbreaks and emergencies; 3) protecting the public by mitigating adverse health conditions and threats; and, 4) forging partnerships in the community. He also reviewed the challenges and accomplishments the department saw as a result of the pandemic. The department played a critical role in the City's COVID-19 response, identified innovative approaches to care delivery; and, leveraged lessons learned in implementing new care and community engagement approaches. The department conducted 3,825 tests, gave 3,395 vaccine doses, had over 8,000 dental visits, over 2,400 behavioral health visits, and over 18,500 medical visits. The proposed $17.2M budget includes the expansion of capacity for service delivery and community outreach; increased funding for mental health and substance use services through The Link; and, continued investments in healthcare infrastructure. Discussion followed about: the increased cost of repairs and maintenance; vaccination outreach plans; and the COVID-19 Delta variant. D. Accessible Housing Matt Tobias, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, discussed the housing programs managed by the City. They include: Neighborhood Revitalization; Housing Development (fund); Single Family and Rental Rehabilitation; Rental Assistance and Education; and, Community Outreach and Fair Housing. Housing programs over the past year have impacted over 7,900 people, 95 houses were rehabilitated, and 151 housing units were created. Tobias noted that the ongoing goal of 1,000 new housing units by 2022 is close because to date 719 new units have been put under contract since the goal was set. He discussed in detail the 2026 Housing Action Plan, which includes a framework for addressing housing needs through the consideration of land, infrastructure, workforce, public incentives & partnerships, and design & building standards. The proposed budget of $7.1M includes the addition of a Housing Fund which includes a $400k increase of funding from the general fund and continued efforts to secure one-time contributions and reliable base grants. Strategies also include coordinated efforts with code enforcement and relocation opposed to tearing down homes. The proposed budget will also facilitate new and continued partnerships with organizations such as the  Veterans Community Project, Brett Crossing, St. Paul & Walnut, Millard Acres, Grandview Park, and Vineyard Heights. Discussion followed about: the Millard Acres partnership; legislative actions on housing; the Housing Action Plan; and public/private opportunities. E. City Attorneys Stacy Kooistra, City Attorney, provided an overview of the office's mission. He explained that the annual budget typically includes personnel and operating costs. The proposed $2.3M budget includes funding for an additional Assistant City Attorney to manage ADA compliance. He stated that ADA compliance is currently managed by the Human Relations Attorney, but the workload has increased to the point that an additional attorney is needed. Discussion followed about: outside attorney funding; liability insurance; support to the Multi-Cultural Center; and, the role of the proposed ADA compliance attorney. 3. Public Comment Sierra Broussard spoke about accreditation for the Police Department and Fire Department staffing. 4. Adjournment Council Chair Curt Soehl adjourned the meeting at 4:49 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk