general information packet thursday, june 25, 2020 council... · 25/06/2020 · general...

General Information Packet

phoenix.govThursday, June 25, 2020

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Response to Council Member Request from June 8, 2020 Formal Meeting

Response to Council Member Request from June 9, 2020 Policy Meeting

Community Budget Questions June 1 - June 17, 2020

Review and Implementation Ad Hoc Committee Monthly

Report - June 2020

Statement from the Phoenix Human Relations

Commission

For Transmittal, Minutes of the Policy Session Meeting

on May 14, 2020

Page 4

Page 7

Page 10

Page 12

Page 14


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 1

Response to Council Member Request from June 8, 2020 Formal Meeting

At the June 8, 2020 City Council Special Formal meeting, Councilmember CarlosGarcia requested that staff provide an update on the City's costs and number ofarrests during the recent protests.

SummarySince the death of George Floyd, protestors across the entire country have gathered tovoice their disapproval and opposition to police brutality. Protests in downtown Phoenixbegan on May 28, 2020 and continued through June 14, 2020. During this time, thePolice Department incurred costs for overtime, police supplies, equipment, and vehiclerepair. After the protest on May 30, 2020, when there was significant damage to Citybuildings, more than 1,000 sworn personnel were activated to protect City facilities andprevent the large-scale damage experienced in many other cities across the country.To date the department has spent approximately $6.4 million in response to theprotests. This includes approximately $6.1 million for staffing costs; $331,000 for policesupplies and equipment; and $25,000 in repairs for damaged vehicles. During the firstfour days of protests, there were a total of 353 arrests for various offenses, includingunlawful assembly, obstructing the freeway, aggravated assault, criminal damage,rioting, violation of the emergency order, and resisting arrest. After the fourth night,there were no additional arrests.

During this same time, the Fire Department has spent approximately $531,000 inresponse to the protests. This includes staffing costs of approximately $500,000 and$31,000 for medical supplies and other essential items.

The Public Works Department estimates that the cost to repair damage to downtownCity buildings will be between $85,000 and $100,000.

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Jeff Barton and the Police, Fire andPublic Works departments.


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 2

Response to Council Member Request from June 9, 2020 Policy Meeting

At the June 9, 2020 City Council Policy meeting, Councilmember Carlos Garciarequested an update on the following two items: Washington and Jefferson StreetClosures and the Garfield Neighborhood.

SummaryWashington and Jefferson Street Closures

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Phoenix Police Department began monitoringplanned demonstrations in the downtown corridor. The first three days ofdemonstrations attracted between 1,000-2,000 demonstrators. On all three nights ofdemonstrations, those attending began marching through the downtown corridor takingover streets and walking between traffic lanes. This posed a danger to thosedemonstrating, those driving in the roadway as well as officers monitoring thedemonstration.

Due to the anticipated ongoing demonstrations and anticipated growing crowd size,Washington Street was closed between 1st Avenue to 7th Avenue. In addition,Jefferson Street was closed between 1st Avenue and 7th Avenue. These road closuresremained in place based upon crowd sizes attending demonstrations and othernational events.

On June 10, 2020, the road closures were lifted in the downtown area. The roadwaywas reopened after nine days of continued peaceful demonstrations, no arrests, nocriminal activity and diminishing crowd sizes. Assessments of road closures willcontinue based on safety and ongoing and future events.

Garfield Neighborhood

On May 31, 2020, the Arizona Governor announced a curfew for the entire State ofArizona. The curfew was established between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. On May 31,2020, a group of demonstrators began marching in the downtown corridor beginning at5:00 p.m. During their march, the group took over the intersection of 7th Street andRoosevelt. There were previous indications the group would attempt to take over the I-

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 2

10 Freeway. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) was tasked with preventing anyincursion onto the freeway by demonstrators.

After the group took over the intersection of 7th Street and Roosevelt, the crowdattempted to move northbound toward the freeway. DPS personnel deployed lesslethal munitions to dissuade the crowd from encroaching upon the freeway. Thedeployment of less lethal munitions resulted in some members of the crowd runningeastbound into the Garfield Neighborhood.

Officers were aware of social media chatter regarding potential targets fordemonstrators. A number of posts indicated protestors would demonstrate inresidential neighborhoods, cause damage and physically assault non-involvedresidents. This was taken into consideration as the group of demonstrators fled intothe Garfield residential neighborhood.

When demonstrators ran into the Garfield neighborhood, officers began making arrestsfor violation of the Governor's curfew order. A number of arrests were made asdemonstrators jumped over fencing into residential homes and ran through residentialyards.

The Phoenix Police Department is in receipt of complaints from some residents in thearea who were arrested during this incident. Since the event occurred, theProfessional Standards Bureau was tasked with addressing and cataloging thesecomplaints. Of the 33 complaints received, 30 were determined not to involvemisconduct on the part of Department employees. Three complaints are still beingreviewed. Professional Standards Bureau investigators reviewed the involved officers'body worn cameras and determined the allegations of misconduct wereunsubstantiated.

Additionally, as this event unfolded, the Phoenix Police Department's CommunicationsBureau received 17 calls for service from the 911 system. Calls were received frombusinesses and residents in the area who requested police assistance.

Along with the Mayor, Chief Williams spoke with neighborhood leaders regardingpolice response into the area. Community Action Officers assigned to theneighborhood have also been in communication with Garfield Neighborhood residents.The aim of the Phoenix Police Department was to facilitate peaceful exercise of firstamendment rights, to enforce a lawful curfew order, to prevent take over of the I-10freeway and to protect the property and safety of residents. The Police Departmentremains committed to working with all community members in the future.

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 2

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the PoliceDepartment.


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 3

Community Budget Questions June 1 - June 17, 2020

SummaryEach year, staff tracks comments on the City's budget. The City Manager's TrialBudget was scheduled to be presented to the City Council on March 17, 2020, withbudget hearings scheduled to begin April 2, 2020. However, due to current restrictionson public gatherings, the City unfortunately had to cancel normal and customarycommunity budget hearings and the Trial Budget is being revised due to the economicdownturn.

Based on the revised budget adoption schedule discussed at the March 26, 2020 CityCouncil Policy Session, staff returned with additional information on April 2 and April 6to walk the City Council through four different budget scenarios modeling the impact ofCOVID-19 on our General Fund revenues. On April 13, staff presented the 2020-21Revised Trial Budget, focusing on the City's proposed response efforts to the currenteconomic downturn caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis. On May 5, staffpresented the City Manager's Proposed budget. On May 19, the proposed budget wasapproved by City Council. On June 3 and June 8 staff presented the Tentative Budgetand it was approved by City Council.

We very much value the feedback and community engagement received in ourcommunity budget hearings. Unfortunately, this year it will be necessary to use adifferent format and a compressed schedule to accomplish this goal. Once thosedecisions have been made we will update the calendar on the website. As alwaysresidents can continue to provide feedback by calling 602-262-4800 or email us [email protected]. Additionally, Budget and Research continues topromote the FundPHX interactive budget tool, available at phoenix.gov/FundPHX.

Attachment A transmits a summary of the electronic and voice mail commentsregarding the budget for June 1 - June 17, 2020.

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by City Manager Ed Zuercher and the Budget and ResearchDepartment.

ATTACHMENT A

To: Ed Zuercher City Manager

Date: June 17, 2020

From: Jeff Barton Deputy City Manager

Subject: BUDGET QUESTIONS SUMMARY JUNE 1 – JUNE 17, 2020

This report transmits a summary of the electronic and voice mail comments regarding the budget from June 1 – June 17, 2020.

Residents can access additional information at phoenix.gov/Budget.

SUMMARY MINUTES VOICEMAIL, ELECTRONIC, AND WRITTEN BUDGET COMMENTS

June 1 – June 17, 2020

Emails from 6/1 to 6/17

We received 749 emails requesting defunding of Phoenix PD, demanding the release of body cam footage, and to stop releasing protesters in custody to ICE.

We received 1578 emails requesting to reconsider the proposed $944,680,555 allocated to our Public Safety Departments for the 2020-21 fiscal year, redirect the funds to programs that heal and educate our community, and redirect the funds to increase the proposed $24,760,742 and $26,837,014 budgets for Community Development and Community Enrichment.

We received 8 emails requesting allocation of $3 million to the Civilian Review Board and Office of Accountability and Transparency.

We received 33 emails requesting to cut the police budgets and invest in more community services, education, and health.

We received 7 emails in support of Phoenix Police department and funding them in the budget.

Voicemails from 6/1 to 6/17

We received 16 voicemails requesting to reconsider the proposed $944,680,555 allocated to our Public Safety Departments for the 2020-21 fiscal year, redirect the funds to programs that heal and educate our community, and redirect the funds to increase the proposed $24,760,742 and $26,837,014 budgets for Community Development and Community Enrichment.

We received 2 voicemails requesting allocation of $3 million to the Civilian Review Board and Office of Accountability and Transparency.

We received 4 voicemails requesting to cut the police budgets and invest in more community services, education, and health.

Respectfully Submitted,

Khala Stanfield Management Assistant II


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 4

Review and Implementation Ad Hoc Committee Monthly Report - June 2020

This report provides the City Council an update on the Review and Implementation AdHoc Committee, created by Mayor Kate Gallego on July 22, 2019. The Committee ischarged with reviewing past and current recommendations made to the City Counciland the Phoenix Police Department related to strengthening the department and therelationship between the community and public safety officers.

THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

SummaryThis report serves as the summary of the work completed for the month of June by theAd Hoc Committee. Summary reports will continue each month until the Committee’swork has been submitted for consideration by the Mayor and Council.

June 18, 2020 - 10th meeting was held and held via WebEx format

1. Information was distributed to members:a. Memo from Mayor Gallego dated June 18, 2020 indicating her decision to modify

the deadline to Sept. 30, 2020 for the committee to complete their work.b. Minutes from May 21, 2020 meeting.c. A summary of Recommendations submitted by Task Force members by the revised

deadline of June 8, 2020.

2. The meeting was devoted to reviewing and discussing the recommendationssubmitted by committee members. Each member submitted their top two choices percategory by the deadline of June 8, 2020. A tentative list of top two, sometimes three,choices per category and supported by committee members was generated.

Next StepsTopics to be discussed at the next meeting will be the submission of recommendationsto Mayor and Council for their consideration and timing of holding a meeting to invitemembers of the public to review and discuss the committee’s recommendations.

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 4

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by Assistant City Managers Deanna Jonovich and MiltonDohoney, Jr. and the City Manager's Office.


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 5

Statement from the Phoenix Human Relations Commission

The Phoenix Commission on Human Relations (HRC) held a special meeting on June19, 2020, to develop a letter of support regarding the recent civil unrest in the Phoenixcommunity.

THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

SummaryThe HRC's current mission is to promote respect and understanding among all groupsby eliminating discrimination throughout the city of Phoenix. The Commission feltstrongly about developing this letter, and 11 members attended the meeting tocollaborate jointly in its development. Chief Counsel also was in attendance to ensurethe meeting stayed in alignment with Open Meeting Law. The attached letter wasapproved unanimously by the HRC(Attachment A).

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the EqualOpportunity Department.

STATEMENT FROM THE PHOENIX COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS

June 19, 2020

For decades, members of the Black, Latinx, Indigenous and other communities of color in Phoenix have expressed concern, pain, anguish and alarm at the disparate impact of policing on those communities.

We have seen decades of imbalance in the policing of minority communities versus those in less marginalized communities. Even officers who have been fired by the chief for gross misconduct have been reinstated by the City due to a systemic lack of accountability.

We recognize that our policing systems are broken, not just here in Phoenix, but across the country. This is not the fault of the honorable officers who serve and protect our community daily. It is the fault of a system that is grounded in centuries of history that has coalesced the inherent biases of individuals into a system that is, itself, plagued by institutional racism, particularly toward people of color.

Black lives matter. We accept this statement as Truth. In this critical moment, it is our Black community that is suffering the brunt of this burden. We stand with the thousands of peaceful protestors who have made their voices known by bringing attention to these injustices. We are thankful for their dedication and the strength of their conviction.

We recognize the Phoenix Police Department is working to implement measures to reduce its impact on members of our community. However, it is clear there is far more to be done, and the Human Relations Commission will continue our vigilance and action to drastically improve community policing until we reach a solid consensus on how best to establish transparency, accountability, and trust in the department from our black and brown community members which will be beneficial to all Phoenicians.

We applaud the Phoenix City Council’s efforts to adopt and fully fund robust civilian oversight and call on the Mayor and City Council to continue that support until the Office of Accountability and Transparency and related infrastructure are fully established and operational.

We further call on all Phoenix Police officers currently serving to intervene and come forward when they witness inappropriate acts perpetrated by fellow officers against any civilian. And we demand that the leadership of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) and the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA) cease defending the direct actions of their members that have brought harm to the civilians who reside in and visit our city. Our goal is to engage with PLEA and PPSLA as partners, not adversaries, in bringing positive change to our police department and to our city, as a whole.

As we move forward as a city, we must move toward unification and healing through mutual respect, understanding and accountability.

And we must accept that Black lives matter, in this critical moment facing our Black community, in particular.

Attachment A


Report

Date: 6/25/2020, Item No. 6

For Transmittal, Minutes of the Policy Session Meeting on May 14, 2020

SummaryThis item transmits the Minutes of the Policy Session on May 14, 2020.

The Minutes are attached for review as Attachment A.

Responsible DepartmentThis item is submitted by the City Manager's Office.

City of Phoenix Meeting Location:

City Council Chambers

200 W. Jefferson St.

Phoenix, Arizona 85003Minutes

City Council Policy Session

2:00 PM phoenix.govThursday, May 14, 2020

CALL TO ORDER

The Phoenix City Council convened in Policy Session on Thursday, May 14,

2020 at 2:19 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Councilman Sal DiCiccio, Councilmember Carlos Garcia,

Councilman Michael Nowakowski, Councilwoman Laura

Pastor, Councilwoman Debra Stark, Councilman Jim

Waring, Councilwoman Thelda Williams, Vice Mayor

Betty Guardado and Mayor Kate Gallego

Present: 9 -

Note: Vice Mayor Guardado arrived during the first presentation.

CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no vote to call an Executive Session.

REPORTS AND BUDGET UPDATES BY THE CITY MANAGER

This item is scheduled to allow the City Manager to provide brief informational reports on

topics of interest to the City Council. The City Council may discuss these reports but no

action will be taken.

There was no report for today's meeting.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION (ITEMS 1-2)

COVID-19 Pandemic

1 Food Assistance Plan

Deanna Jonovich, Assistant City Manager

Marchelle Franklin, Human Services Director

Rosanne Albright, Environmental Programs Coordinator

City of Phoenix Page 1

ATTACHMENT A

City Council Policy Session Minutes May 14, 2020

THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.

Deputy City Manager Jeff Barton began by providing an overview of the

coronavirus relief funding strategic plan and the funding allocated to the

food assistance plan.

Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich introduced Human Services

Director Marchelle Franklin and Environmental Programs Coordinator

Rosanne Albright to assist with the presentation. Ms. Franklin provided an

overview and the goals of the food assistance plan. She stated, if

approved, the plan would be implemented in June 2020 and utilize $5

million in coronavirus relief funding.

Ms. Franklin explained the current food distribution challenges, including:

transportation, delivery and storage of food, volunteer labor shortages,

and critical or specialty food items in short supply.

Ms. Franklin stated staff is seeking approval of the food assistance plan

funding allocations of $500,000 to the Association of Arizona Food

Banks/Arizona Food Bank Network, $2 million to St. Mary’s Food Bank

Alliance, $365,000 to St. Vincent de Paul, $135,000 to Salvation Army,

$300,000 to City of Phoenix and $1.7 million allocated to other

community needs.

Ms. Franklin discussed how the Association of Arizona Food

Banks/Arizona Food Bank Network would utilize the allocated funding for

the Emergency Food Assistance Program Agencies Investment and

COVID-19 Operations and Recovery Grant (C19ORG).

Councilman Nowakowski asked if churches could apply for funding. Ms.

Franklin shared many houses of worship are included in the list of

agencies that partner to distribute food. Councilman Nowakowski

requested a list of churches, specifically in Maryvale and southwest

Phoenix, that can apply for funding.

Ms. Franklin described how St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, St. Vincent de

Paul, the Salvation Army and the City would utilize the funding.

Ms. Albright shared the remaining $1.7 million would be used to support



local organizations providing services to families impacted by COVID-19

through a call for proposals. She explained the goal is to support existing

organizations serving residents in food deserts, low-income areas and

communities of color.

Ms. Albright explained the call for proposals would be issued on May 25,

2020 and the funds would be distributed on June 30, 2020. She shared

the types of eligible entities, the evaluation criteria and the award

amounts.

Councilwoman Stark shared there is an organization called Joy Bus that

delivers meals to cancer patients and asked if they would be eligible for

funding. Ms. Albright responded staff could investigate if Joy Bus is

eligible, but emphasized organizations must meet specific criteria for

federal funding and be serving populations impacted by COVID-19.

Mayor Gallego recognized the importance of supporting agricultural

partners and event venues as well as delivering food to those whom a

COVID-19 diagnosis could be life threatening due to pre-existing health

conditions.

Councilmember Garcia emphasized the importance of supporting

grassroots organizations, such as Tiger Mountain, Unlimited Potential and

Spaces of Opportunity.

Councilman DiCiccio stated that federal requirements do not allow more

than 10 percent of the funding be used towards administrative costs. He

asked how the City would be monitoring this requirement. Ms. Jonovich

responded the City would enter into a contract with each of the entities

that are provided funding or the larger organizations that are deemed

suitable to provide funding to smaller organizations. She explained the

Law Department ensures that all appropriate terms and conditions are

included in each contract.

Mr. Zuercher added the audit committee has discussed adding staff to

the contract monitoring and oversight group. He emphasized this group

will ensure contracts are written correctly to law and monitor contracts

regularly.



Councilman DiCiccio and Councilman Waring expressed concerns

regarding the oversight of the funding to ensure that federal requirements

are being met. Mr. Zuercher responded each agency receiving money

will have a contract in place outlining the requirements, there will be

in-time contract monitoring to ensure the requirements are being followed

and audits after the funding is spent.

Councilmember Garcia emphasized the importance of disbursing the

funding to community partners quickly.

Councilwoman Williams asked if eligible entities have to be an

established 501(c)(3) or been in business for a specific amount of time.

She also asked if the Council could set a maximum allowable amount for

administrative fees. Ms. Franklin responded these requirements could be

included in the contracts.

Councilman Nowakowski asked why St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance is

receiving more funding than other organizations. Ms. Albright responded

the allocations were determined by the organization's network size and

need. She added St. Mary’s Foodbank Alliance has the largest footprint

within the City.

Councilman Nowakowski asked the Mayor to challenge other local cities

to contribute additional funding towards food assistance. Mayor Gallego

stated she agrees with challenging local cities and the State to contribute

additional funding.

Councilwoman Pastor asked if restaurants that have opened their doors

to homeless individuals or frontline workers would be eligible for funding.

Ms. Albright confirmed these restaurants would be eligible.

Marcos Gaucin discussed the footprint of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

and spoke in support of the food assistance plan.

Jessica Berg discussed how St. Vincent de Paul would benefit from the

funding and the organization's efforts.



Geoff Gephart described the Salvation Army’s request for funding to fill

the gap in services as a result of COVID-19.

Luke Black spoke in support of the food assistance plan.

Angie Rodgers of the Arizona Food Bank Network spoke about

community need and in support of the food assistance plan.

Mary Wolfe Francis shared the efforts of the ICM Food and Clothing

Bank and requested the Council’s support.

Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve staff’s

recommendation. Vice Mayor Guardado seconded the motion.

Councilwoman Williams asked for the inclusion of the contract

suggestions in the motion, specifically a maximum amount allowed for

administrative costs.

Mayor Gallego asked how the City could maximize aid, but ensure federal

requirements are being followed. Ms. Jonovich stated each contract will

be analyzed and a maximum for administrative costs will be included.

Councilman Nowakowski also requested a maximum percentage of the

funding be allowed to cover administrative costs, so a majority is used to

provide services to the community. Ms. Jonovich stated the City recently

completed a contract that allowed for no more than 20 percent of funding

be used for administrative costs.

Councilman Nowakowski made a friendly amendment to include in the

contracts that a maximum of 20 percent be used toward administrative

costs. Councilmember Garcia and Vice Mayor Guardado accepted the

friendly amendment.

A motion was made by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Vice

Mayor Guardado, to approve staff's recommendation, and to include in

the contracts that a maximum of 20 percent be allocated towards

administrative costs. The motion carried by the following vote:



Councilmember Garcia, Councilman Nowakowski,

Councilwoman Pastor, Councilwoman Stark,

Councilwoman Williams, Vice Mayor Guardado and

Mayor Gallego

Yes: 7 -

Councilman DiCiccio and Councilman WaringNo: 2 -

2 Wi-Fi for Residents at City-Owned Public Facilities

Based on City Council’s May 5, 2020 approval of the City of Phoenix

Coronavirus Relief Fund Strategic Plan, City staff is requesting approval

to spend $1,250,000 from the Community Investment, Distance Learning

and Wi-Fi Access section of the plan.

The Council approved $1 million for this section of the strategic plan.

Staff is asking for approval to spend the additional $250,000 to fully fund

free Wi-Fi in and around City facilities. The extra $250,000 would come

from the “unallocated” Community Investment funds.

THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.

Deputy City Manager Jeff Barton explained the Coronavirus Relief Fund

Strategic Plan allocated $1 million for distance learning and Wi-Fi

access.

Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone explained today’s presentation will

discuss phase one of a plan that will make it easier to connect to the

internet for free at all City-owned public buildings. She then introduced

Housing Director Cindy Stotler, Parks and Recreation Director Inger

Erickson and City Librarian Rita Hamilton.

Ms. Stotler began by explaining, since 2017, the City has participated in

the HUD ConnectHome program which is a public-private partnership

designed to bridge the digital divide for low-income households. She

emphasized, due to COVID-19, it is critical to provide more immediate

means for distance learning and educational needs. Ms. Stotler stated

the City currently has 800 households with school-age children in public

housing.

Ms. Stotler explained it has been determined Wi-Fi hotspots would be the



best method for offering internet connectivity at public housing

properties. She stated staff is requesting approval to issue a purchase

order with the City’s HUD ConnectHome partner, T-Mobile, for

approximately $660,000 to provide Wi-Fi access through tablets with a

built-in hotspot for 800 public housing households with school-age

children.

Ms. Stotler added the tablets include a keyboard, expanded memory and

a 24-month hotspot with unlimited data. She concluded by stating, if

approved, the tablet distribution would be completed by the end of July.

Ms. Erickson began by explaining that currently 52 City locations have

free public Wi-Fi access. This includes all recreation centers except for

four. She stated staff is seeking approval to install Wi-Fi at the four

remaining recreation centers for $70,000.

Mr. Erickson added staff is also recommending the installation of

antennas to provide broader reach in the surrounding areas of the 52

facilities for $520,000. She explained with Council approval,

implementation can begin in early August, or sooner, depending on

equipment availability.

Ms. Maccarone stated staff is recommending approval of $660,000 for

Wi-Fi access for public housing and tablet purchase, $70,000 for Wi-Fi at

four additional recreation centers and $520,000 for access points and

antennas at 52 public facilities. She explained the total allocation would

be $1.25 million which would require Council’s approval of an additional

$250,000 from the unallocated coronavirus relief funds.

Councilwoman Williams asked what the cost would be for the tablets next

year. Ms. Stotler responded the cost presented includes 2 years of

unlimited data and by the end of two years, the families will be relocated

into newly constructed public housing with access to free Wi-Fi.

Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve staff’s

recommendations and allocate an additional $2 million from the

unallocated coronavirus relief funding to broaden citywide Wi-Fi. Vice

Mayor Guardado seconded the motion.



Councilwoman Williams asked how the additional $2 million would be

used. Councilmember Garcia explained the additional funding would be

earmarked for future use to expand community Wi-Fi access.

Mayor Gallego discussed partnerships between wireless providers and

local school districts, as well as advocated for additional federal funding

to support community Wi-Fi access.

Councilwoman Williams suggested staff come back with a

recommendation for the additional funding.

Councilwoman Pastor suggested building a task force of stakeholders to

build a plan to expand Wi-Fi access to ensure equity.

Councilman Nowakowski suggested approving staff’s recommendations

and returning to Council with a more detailed plan on how the additional

funding would be used. He also suggested looking into additional

vendors, such as Verizon and AT&T.

Councilman DiCiccio emphasized the importance of expanding Wi-Fi,

however stated $2 million would cover just the beginning. He shared

concern regarding students being left behind due to the digital divide.

Councilwoman Stark stated she believes it will cost more than $2 million.

While she stated her support, she suggested staff come back and

recommend how the additional funding be spent.

Mr. Zuercher clarified the motion would approve staff’s recommendations

for $1.3 million and set aside an additional $2 million for staff to develop

a plan and come back to Council on how it should be spent.

Mayor Gallego discussed the importance of understanding what other

stakeholders are doing and what state and federal resources are

available to expand Wi-Fi access.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked if public housing residents are having issues

connecting to the Wi-Fi, who would be responsible for providing



assistance. Ms. Stotler responded T-Mobile would be responsible for any

access or hardware issues with the tablet.

Mr. Zuercher clarified if the relationship would be between City and

T-Mobile, or the resident and T-Mobile. Ms. Stotler clarified the

relationship would be between the City and T-Mobile, however the City

would bring T-mobile in to address any connectivity issues.

Vice Mayor Guardado asked why the City partnered with T-Mobile rather

than other vendors. Ms. Stotler responded T-Mobile has conducted

similar programs in large public housing programs across the country and

understands the access problems facing public housing. She also added

through informal bids, the tablets came back at a much more affordable

price.

Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve staff's

recommendation and allocate an additional $2 million from the

unallocated coronavirus relief funding to broaden citywide Wi-Fi. Vice

Mayor Guardado seconded the motion.

Councilman DiCiccio, Councilmember Garcia,

Councilman Nowakowski, Councilwoman Pastor,

Councilwoman Stark, Councilwoman Williams, Vice

Mayor Guardado and Mayor Gallego

Yes: 8 -

Councilman WaringNo: 1 -

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Gallego

declared the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.

For further information, please call the Management Intern, City Manager's

Office, at 602-262-4449.


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