Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, March 1, 2022 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 (Via telecom), Alex Jensen, Rick Kiley, Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: None Council Chair Curt Soehl called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 2. Councilor Remarks Council Member Janet Brekke provided an update on a recent Experience Sioux Falls Council meeting. 3. Presentations A. Sustainability and Climate Action Plan by Holly Meier, Sustainability Coordinator; and, Joshua Peterson, Environmental Services Manager Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Peterson began the presentation by providing an overview of the process leading to the current proposed plan. He stated that the plan is the result of an 18 month process that is now in the public comment period. Meier then explained what "sustainability" means and why it matters. She stated that many communities, to include Sioux Falls, face numerous sustainability concerns like air pollution, use of fossil fuels, landfill waste, and biodiversity loss. By addressing sustainability needs, communities improve their health, safety, and overall quality of life. Throughout the 18-month process, two primary means were used to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders: development of a steering committee consisting of several local organizations and the City; and, 2) public meetings and engagement. In April 2021, a comprehensive survey was sent to residents, this past October an Open House was held, and, more recently, the plan was opened for public comment. Meier provided additional detail on the survey results:1) 88% of respondents are concerned or very concerned about sustainability and environment issues; 2) 88% are concerned or very concerned about harm from environmental hazards in our region, including water and air pollution, hotter temperatures, flooding, droughts, and agricultural pests and diseases; 3) 93% state it's important or very important that Sioux Falls addresses sustainability and environmental issues; 4) 84% think sustainability and environmental issues affect their life a great deal or a moderate  amount; 5) 95% think sustainability and environmental issues will effect future residents a great deal or a moderate amount. Foundational goals of the plan are to reduce greenhouse emissions (45% by 2030 and net-zero by 2050) and to prioritize social equity. To achieve these goals there are several focus areas, each with their own specific goals and actions in the plan: community vitality and sustainable living; materials management and waste; sustainable economy; energy and buildings; transportation and land use; and, natural systems. Priority actions include: clean energy and energy efficiency; clean transportation, including electrification; and, integration of sustainability into City processes. The public comment period for the plan ends on March 21st. Plan finalization will be followed by consideration by the Council for adoption. Discussion followed about: including at least one member of the Council on the steering committee; costs incurred by implementation of the plan; charging stations in Sioux Falls; fiscal impacts in quantifiable terms; the survey questions; input from appropriate stakeholder organizations like the Home Builders Association; mandates versus incentivizing; possible changes to the building codes and associated costs; and, inclusion of the Council in the plan development process. B. 2022 Election Update by Tom Greco, City Clerk Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Greco reviewed important dates associated with the election, to include voter registration deadlines and absentee voting. He reviewed the results of the ballot drawing and stated that there will be two charter amendments and no school board race. Results on the night of the April 12th election should indicate whether or not a runoff is needed. If there is a runoff, Greco indicated that the canvass of results will occur at the Council Meeting of April 13th; if no runoff is required, the canvass will be April 19th. He also reviewed worker requirements for polling places, absentee processing, and absentee boards. Over 230 workers will serve 71 precincts on election day at 52 polling locations. Postcard notifications will be sent to voters with new polling locations or precinct designations. Lastly, he reviewed campaign finance requirements and other statutory tasks associated with the elections. Discussion followed about: absentee voting; elections workers; and lessons learned from 2020. 4. Public Comment There was none. 5. Executive Session A. Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term "employee" does not include any independent contractor pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(1) A motion was made by Council Member Jensen and seconded by Council Member Kiley to enter Executive Session at 5:07 p.m.  Roll call vote to enter Executive Session. 8 Yes: Brekke, Erickson, Jensen, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. A motion was made by Council Member Jensen and seconded by Council Member Kiley to exit Executive Session and adjourn at 5:22 p.m. Voice vote to exit Executive Session. 8 Yes: Brekke, Erickson, Jensen, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk