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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-2020 Minutes City Council Study Session Finance, Technology and Economic Development * Special Focus Area CITY OF * ,w * July 27, 2020 - 5:30 PM AUBVirtual MINUTES Watch the meeting LIVE! WASHINGTON Watch the meeting video Meeting videos are not available until 72 hours after the meeting has concluded. I. CALL TO ORDER Deputy Mayor DaCorsi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street in Auburn. II. Virtual Participation Link A. Virtual Participation Link The City Council Meeting was held virtually in the Council Chambers. B. Roll Call Councilmembers virtually present: Deputy Mayor Claude DaCorsi, Bob Baggett, Larry Brown, James Jeyaraj, Robyn Mulenga, Chris Stearns and Yolanda Trout-Manuel. Mayor Nancy Backus and the following department directors and staff members were present: Innovation and Technical Support Specialist Danika Olson, Director of Innovation & Technology David Travis, Chief of Police Dan O'Neil and City Clerk Shawn Campbell. The following department directors and staff members attended the meeting virtually:Assistant City Attorney Doug Ruth, Director of Community Development Jeff Tate, Director of Finance Jamie Thomas, Director of Administration Dana Hinman, Director of Parks,Arts, and Recreation Daryl Faber, Director of Public Works Ingrid Gaub, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Candis Martinson, Economic Development Manager Doug Lein, Outreach Program Administrator Kent Hay and Code Compliance Supervisor Chris Barack. III. ANNOUNCEMENTS, REPORTS, AND PRESENTATIONS There were no announcements, reports or presentations. Page 1 of 3 IV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION A. Ordinance No. 6781 (Tate)(20 Minutes) An Ordinance relating to camping and occupying public property, and amending Chapters 2.22.210, 2.22.220, 9.50.020, 9.78.010, 12.32.020, 13.12.020 and 13.48.170 and adding a new section to Chapter 9.50 of the Auburn City Code Director Tate provided a brief description of why the City is bringing the camping ordinance forward. He explained the options offered by the City for people who need assistance. The proposed ordinance clarifies overnight camping is not permitted in parks, unless it is a campground or an approved event, it prohibits camping on City owned property, blocking a sidewalk and damage or trespass on City utilities. These interactions would also help the City identify and provide appropriate services to people in need of shelter. Council discussed legal decisions that relate to this ordinance, people's right to privacy, who to contact within the City when there are people camping on City property, concerns that brought about the proposed ordinance, assistance for sheltering for various needs, what allows for permit camping in a park, methods to report violations, consequences if people refuse to leave the public land, fines for non-compliance and specific roles for assistance. Council requested Outreach and Program Administrator Hay report back on his progress with providing assistance and services to the homeless and the ordinance be brought back to Council with some additional changes. Mayor Backus stated this ordinance does in no way criminalize homelessness, it does hold people accountable for their decisions and there are community service options versus paying monetary fines. Attorney Ruth also advised Council that a fine would have a $250.00 maximum, but it is at the Judge's discretion to waive or reduce a fine. V. FINANCE, TECHNOLOGYAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Small Business Recovery Grant Program Update (Hinman)(15 Minutes) Councilmember Baggett presided over this section of the meeting. Manager Lein provided Council with an update of the Grant Program. He described the funds distributed for personal protective equipment, the criteria for accessing funds and steps taken to help businesses apply. Council discussed businesses closing due to the shutdown and the number of businesses in Auburn. Page 2 of 3 B. Budget Refresher(Thomas)(120 Minutes) Director Thomas provided Council with a budget introduction. Councilmember Baggett called for a 5-minute recess at 6:44 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:48 p.m. Director Thomas reviewed the difference between an annual budget and the biennial budget, budget priorities, budget development, funds overview, review of the budget calendar, property taxes, the elements of the budget document and the budget challenges. Council discussed how to sustain the budget,ways to increase funding and the options of raising taxes. VI. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no other discussion items. VII. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. VIII.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. APPROVED this 17th day of August, 2020. /IC AUD Ilk ORSI, DE'UTY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City Clerk Agendas and min. -s are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website (http://www.aubumwa.gov), and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are available for review at the City Clerk's Office. 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