Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: David Barranco, Miranda Basye, Sarah Cole, Rich Merkouris, Jennifer Sigette, Curt Soehl Council Members Absent: Ryan Spellerberg, Richard L. Thomason Council Chair Curt Soehl called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 2. Councilor Remarks Councilor Jennifer Sigette spoke about the Annual POW/MIA Recognition Event held on Friday, September 20th. 3. Presentations A. Childcare Affordability & Availability Initiative Update by Justin Smith, Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Justin Smith, Attorney, Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith, gave an update on childcare affordability and availability (presentation attached to the agenda). Following the presentation, questions asked by the Council were ansewred by Smith. B. Early Childhood Scholarship Update by President Cory Clasemann and Dr. Benjamin Valdez, Southeast Technical College Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Cory Clasemann, President, Southeast Technical College, introduced himself, gave a brief background, and introduced Dr. Benjamin Valdez, Vice President of Academic Affiars, Southeast Technical College. Valdez gave an update on the Early Childhood Scholarship program,and spoke on the benefits it provides and scholarship funding. Following the presentation, questions asked by the Council were answered by Valdez and Smith.  Steve Williamson, Foundation Director for Southeast Technical College, provided information on funding of an advertisement campaign of program opportunities. 4. Public Comment Chris Cooper shared some ideas on childcare. Corri Poore, Owner/Director of Little Tykes University, commented on the childcare report, possible childcare solutions, mentorship programs, and childcare ratios. Lori Johnson, Encore Learning Center, commented on staffing and wages, group insurance policies, and reimbursements. Karen Rieck spoke on the recognition of childcare providers, and the situation faced by families who are just above poverty level. Molly Okerlund, owner, Creator's Kids, shared some possible childcare solutions, assistance with childcare, and childcare rates. 5. Executive Session A. Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(3) A motion was made by Council Vice-Chair Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Barranco to enter Executive Session for the purpose of Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(3) at 5:28 p.m. Roll call vote to enter Executive Session. 6 Yes: Barranco, Basye, Cole, Merkouris, Sigette, Soehl; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 6. Adjournment There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m. Jermery J. Washington, City Clerk