City Council Minutes 2020 05 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes May 19, 2020 Page 6 of 14 Mayor Stolzmann summed up the comments noting the Council would like to bring this back for further discussion for a ballot measure with a carve out for premium cigars. Members agreed to look at a 40% tax level. Councilmember Leh and Councilmember Dickinson both prefer an excise tax to a sales tax. Museum Expansion Deputy City Manager Davis stated the City had planned to complete the initial design on a proposed museum expansion in 2020 to better understand the project cost and get community input. A contractor had been hired for this project but due to COVID-19 the contract has been cancelled and the project postponed at this time. Staff recommends not moving forward with a ballot issue at this time. Public Comments - None Councilmember Lipton asked if the citizen survey results came in before or after the COVID crisis started. Assistant City Manager Hogan stated the survey was submitted by residents from mid -March to mid -April. Councilmember Lipton asked what level of support is usually needed to get a ballot measure passed. City Manager Balser stated staff usually looks for at least 60% support to get something passed. Deputy City Manager Davis added that even 55% can be considered not strong enough to move forward. Members agreed with the staff recommendation to not move it forward this year. Single Use Bags Assistant City Manager Hogan stated the City's Sustainability Action Plan identifies several strategies aimed at "achieving zero waste and managing resources responsibly and effectively" including promoting recyclable substitutes/replacements for single -use, throw -away items, such as plastic bags. To address replacements for single -use, throw -away items like plastic bags, staff partnered with the Colorado School of Public Health (CSPH) to analyze potential policy options to reduce single -use bags within the city. As part of a course on environmental health policy, staff worked with several graduate students to explore local initiatives. The options include a ban, fee, tax, or a combination of these. These options would require approval by voters and could be included in the 2020 ballot. Hogan reviewed the various options: