Council Working Session

MINUTES Tuesday, September 4, 2018 Council Working Session 2:30 PM Carnegie Town Hall Sioux Falls City Council 235 West 10th Street Members Present: Janet Brekke, Christine M. Erickson, Rick Kiley, Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr, Theresa Stehly Members Absent: None 1. Call To Order Council Chair Christine M. Erickson called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. 2. The Budget for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2019, and the 2019-2023 Capital Program A. Amendments There was no discussion on this topic. B. Unobligated Funds Discussion initially focused on the Community Outreach proposed budget of $170,940 compared to previous years. It was explained that the proposed increase accounts for the realignment of personnel from Economic Development to the Community Outreach program in order to accurately allocate funds. The duties of the Community Outreach coordinator was discussed: the coordinator facilitates the City's grant program, the sidewalk use program, and the facade easement program; serves as a liaison between the community and City departments to identify solutions, options, and resources impacting communities' neighborhoods; and facilitates partnerships to promote neighborhood involvement and development. Discussion followed about: the grant program, specifically grants provided to the Galway Park Neighborhood Association and the Friends of McKennan Park Neighborhood Association; criteria for reimbursement; the grant selection process; participation and interest in the grant program; alternatives to grants such as budgeting through departments; and participatory budgeting. Chellee Unruh, Institutional Advancement Officer for Southeast Technical Institute (STI), spoke about STI's New Opportunities for Workforce Development Five-Year Plan. STI was invited by the Council to speak on this topic because it is  identified as a "2019 Departmental Non-Funded Initiative." Unruh provided background on the program and goals of the campaign. Discussion followed about: the anticipated benefits of the program; current workforce challenges; workforce retention in the community; programs for immigrants; and feedback received by STI from the community (STI President Robert J. Griggs spoke about the feedback received); career coaches; funding sources; and, possible agreement terms. The Council discussed the list of Non-Funded Initiatives and other possible uses for the funds to include opportunities beyond the $100,000. Some recommendations included reinstating the Scoop-It program, a visitor assistant at Falls Park, and assisting with Project T.R.I.M. 3. Open Discussion Erickson noted that an additional working session would be scheduled. 4. Public Comment There was none. 5. Adjournment Council Chair Christine M. Erickson adjourned the meeting at 3:51 p.m. Thomas M. Greco City Clerk