The April 23, 2020 early morning "Study Session" was once again a virtual platform via tele-conferencing with elected city council members self-isolated inside their homes or outside in their backyards. Salaried city officials were ensconced in the Lower Chambers that have closed to the public, where two Power-Point presentations were made, one about allocations of $6M and one about $90.4M
As far as citizen participation goes, few in any blue comments cards were submitted online.
Thursday's City Council Study Session was an eye-opener to compare what is stated as a belief and what is the actual practice:
The Mesa City Council believes that its people, not leaders, are what makes a City great and actively works to encourage citizen participation in the decision-making process. the Mesa City Council sets policies based on the input and needs of its citizens.
Source: https://www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/mayor-council
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2 SCREEN-GRABS from City of Mesa Channel 11 on YouTube
Looks like Hizzoner appears a wee-bit stumped and at the same time both Giles and City Manager Chris Brady can't talk fast enough to kick-off the show they have planned . . .
(1) Study Session
click or tap here
Link to the presentation by Michelle Albanese
BLOGGER NOTE: Giles seems to be angling from some questionable ideas not sell-received by other council members...watch what each district rep has for talking points.
QUESTION: Why do we know nearly nothing about Michelle Albanese?
| Type: | Presentation | Status: | Agenda Ready |
| Title: | Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide final funding recommendations for the FY 2020/21 and prior years' available funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Human Services Programs. |
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(2) Regular Meeting
click or tap here
Allocations = More than $90M
with very strict accounting standards guidlines that few appear to understand
PRESENTATION = 16 SLIDES THAT APPEAR TO BE HURRIEDLY THROWN TOGETHER...
with the head of Parks & Recreation assigned to make the presentations?
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| Type: | Presentation | Status: | Agenda Ready |
| Title: | Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on an update on the Mesa CARES program, focusing on proposed future CARES program funding. |
| Attachments: | 1. Presentation |
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POWER POINT PRESENTATION (16 slides)
Kari Kent, Assistant City Manager
Marc Heirshberg, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Director
April 23, 2020 Study Session
• Initial 3-day Community Assessment -- April 6-8th
Survey Results-- Residents
1.Access to Food
• Fresh/dry foods
• Concern for most vulnerable
populations
2.Timely Emergency Medical
Response & Police Protection
4. Access to Medications
5. Assistance with Rent, Utilities
& Unemployment Insurance
6. Mental Health Services
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Feeding Mesa Program
Mission
Address Mesa residents’ highest priority need of “Access
to Food” (based on Community Needs Assessment) by
providing nutritious food/meals to Mesa residents who
have been affected by COVID-19 and by partnering with
existing services, non-profits and Mesa-based
restaurants.
Target Demographics
• School children and families
• Homeless
• Unemployed/underemployed
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Low Income Families
• Homebound individuals
Feeding Mesa
Programs for Consideration
1. Citywide Food Distribution Programs
(immediately)
2. Restaurant Kitchen Buy-Out Program (under
development)
3. Mesa CARES Card Program (under development)
> Restaurant Kitchen “Food Buy Out” Program
Goal: Provide additional business for Mesa-based restaurants by providing meals for
the community
• Supplement or add to:
• Meals on Wheels type program
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Food Services for frontline healthcare workers
• Determine interest in restaurants
• Availability
• Capability to produce in mass
• Establish program requirements for restaurants to ensure nutritional value
• Determine transportation needs to move food from restaurant to distribution points
> Mesa CARES Card
Goal: Create a branded Mesa CARES card to be redeemed at select Mesa restaurants
• Cards would be distributed to eligible community members in need
• Utilize vetting processes used by MPS, United Food Bank, City Departments and non- profit organizations
• Work with Chamber of Commerce and the City to identify Mesa businesses whose
have been negatively impacted
• Participating restaurants throughout the City will create meal packages for purchase
• Mesa CARES card will cover meal package and provide immediate payment to
restaurant
Additional Citywide Food Distribution Centers
(United Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank &
Partner Non-Profits and Faith-based Agencies)
• Identify key partnerships with organizations already providing this service
• Identify distribution sites (House of Refuge and other non-profits, faith- based organizations, schools, community centers, etc.) at geographic
locations throughout the City
• Assess the availability of food and identify sources to acquire food items
• Distribution Methods
• Work directly with non-profit partners who already have intake
procedures in place
SLIDE 15: Food Distribution Program Expenses
(Excludes Restaurant Buy-out and Mesa CARES Cards)
• Non-Perishable food items for initial 12-week supply –
Approx. $200,000 (Midwest Food Bank only)
• United Food Bank Mesa Convention Center Rental – Approx. $30k per week (additional fees could incur for kitchen
and trailer storage area rental)
• Mesa Staffing – Approx. $52,000 per week
• Transportation and Delivery Costs – TBD
