Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: Janet Brekke, Christine M. Erickson, Rick Kiley, Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Theresa Stehly Council Members Absent: Pat Starr Council Chair Marshall Selberg called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 2. City Council Open Discussion There was none. 3. Presentations A. Neighborhood Connect by Jeff Eckhoff, Director Planning & Development Services; Holly Carpenter, IT System Analyst Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes followed by discussion Jason Bieber, Senior, explained that the department has been working on a neighborhood website for approximately seven years. Over the past year, increased capabilities with existing land management software (EnerGov) allowed for the use of Neighborhood Connect. Neighborhood Connect is a web-based tool that will increase transparency and provide residents with current land use data and information. It allows users to customize notification in order to receive notifications about plans, permits, and code cases. He turned the presentation over to Holly Carpenter, IT Systems Analyst, who provided an overview of the program features. She explained there is a great deal of customization in what kind of data is presented and the volume (time period) that can be accessed. Because the program is connected to EnerGov, users can view detailed information through the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal. A key feature of the site is that alerts can be set for residents to notify them when items of interest are added to the program. Multiple alerts can be set up. Bieber concluded the presentation by reiterating the transparency the program provides. It allows for 24 hr. access to land records, provides for alerts, presents an easy user interface, may reduce inquiries, and is integrated with the current land management software. Discussion followed about when information is populated in the program, the type of information available, how it will be promoted to the public, whether complaints can be submitted through it, the cost of the program, the configuration of alerts, and Board of Adjustment applications. Bieber and Carpenter explained that the program  will show basic information about applications once they are submitted. However, users can access CSS for more detailed information. Currently only Planning Department permits can be accessed through the program, however there are plans to integrate other departments, like Public Works and Fire, in the future. The program cannot be used to lodge complaints, but that is something that can be considered in the future. In terms of alerts, the alert area can be as small as a single parcel. Board of Adjustment applications are not available through the program yet, but will be once that process is integrated with CSS. The cost to configure and maintain the program this year is $15k. B. Election Update by Tom Greco, City Clerk Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Greco explained that there will not be a runoff election, however, the regular election is scheduled for April 14, 2020. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election will be combined with the Sioux Falls School District and will include several races and two charter amendments. The items people see on their ballots will vary based on their voting jurisdiction. For this election, there will be School Board Member, At Large Council Member, and Northwest District Council Member contests on the ballot along with two Charter Amendments. Each contest includes two candidates. Two office, Southwest District and Northeast District include only one nominated candidate each, therefore their names will not be listed on the ballot. The deadline for voter registration is Monday, March 30, and this is the day absentee voting begins. Greco explained that all absentee voting will be managed, by contract, in the Minnehaha County Auditor's Office. Mail ballots will be sent on March 30. The deadline for in-person absentee voting is 5 p.m. on April 13. Members will assume office on May 19, 2020. Greco further emphasized the importance of checking voter registration and encouraged people to go to www.siouxfalls.org/election where they can check their voter registration. There will be 67 precincts at 54 locations this year. Greco showed which polling places have changed and indicated that postcard reminders will be sent to registered voters in those precincts. Discussion followed about the voter registration deadline, absentee voting, ballot distribution, and polling places. C. 2021 Budget Prioritization by Dave Bixler, Budget Analyst Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Bixler presented a list of 24 budget initiatives in order of preference rating by the Council Members. He noted that it will be submitted to the Finance Director. Council Member Theresa Stehly reviewed items she submitted and spoke about the Working Session held on February 26, 2020. 4. Public Comment There was none. 5. Executive Session A. Discussing information listed in subdivisions 1-27-1.5(8) and 1-27-1.5(17)  A motion was made by Council Member Erickson and seconded by Council Vice- Chair Neitzert to enter Executive Session at 4:40 p.m. Roll call vote to enter Executive Session. 7 Yes: Brekke, Erickson, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Stehly; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. A motion was made by Council Member Kiley and seconded by Council Member Brekke to exit Executive Session and adjourn at 4:52 p.m. Roll call vote to exit Executive Session. 7 Yes: Brekke, Erickson, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Stehly; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:52 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk