[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written by a verified resident. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Waterland Blog, nor its staff:]

Councilmember Martinelli Puts Forth Pandemic Relief Proposals

Below are several policy proposals I have put forward in order to help provide relief to businesses, individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposals that require funding could be paid for through incoming state and federal relief funds and through our general fund (which sits at nearly $5 million).

If you support any or all of these proposals, and would like the full council to consider them, please consider e-mailing all seven members at [email protected].

Establish a Grant Program for Small Businesses
I propose establishing a $400,000 fund which would be used to provide grants to small businesses in Des Moines. Small businesses would be defined as having less than 50 employees. Businesses with 50 or more employees could still apply for the grant but would need to prove financial hardship.

This fund would allow us to distribute grants of $7,500 to over 50 Des Moines-based businesses. I have spoken with many business owners who have said that this would have a huge positive impact, including allowing them to retain and pay employees.

The city could establish an independent third party to distribute the grants to prevent any conflict of interests among the city and city council.

I recognize that $400,000 is a lot of money especially during a pandemic, but businesses are the backbone of our community and we need to do everything we can – within reason – to help keep them open and retain their employees. Doing so will help the local economy and help prevent a dip in businesses taxes which is a considerable part of our annual revenue stream.

Raise the Minimum Wage for Essential Workers
Many essential workers are receiving nothing more than minimum wage despite having to work through a deadly pandemic, I propose increasing the minimum wage for essential workers, as defined by the state, to $14.50 – a $1 increase. This minimum wage increase would be permanent, given “essential workers” will remain “essential” even after the pandemic.

I propose applying this only to businesses with at least 50 employees, in order to prevent potential harm to small businesses who may have trouble at the moment increasing wages. By setting the limit to 50 this proposal would primarily effect big businesses such as Safeway and McDonald’s.

A $14.50 minimum wage would still put us nearly $2 an hour below the $16.34 minimum wage Seatac has for many of its employees.

Send Emergency Funds to Our Food Bank
I propose the city immediately give the Des Moines Food Bank $15,000. The food bank has received a large increase influx of patrons due to the pandemic, but no increase in financing. The money could be used to purchase food and equipment, pay staff or bring in new staff. I also propose we fund and establish a second food bank on the southside of Des Moines, so that those who live away from the downtown area – especially those without reliable transportation – don’t have to travel across town.

Have the City Purchase and Distribute Face Masks for Free to Residents
Like what is being done in Riviera Beach, Florida (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSc-mc-92s0), I propose the city make a bulk purchase of face masks in order to provide them for free to our residents. I propose the city establish temporary drive-thru pick-up points. For those who are unable to make it to a pickup point due to risk factors I propose establishing a page on the city website where residents can put in their info to have a mask shipped to them.

Even if we were to eventually purchase masks for 2/3rds of the city’s residents (assuming at least a third already has their own), and even accounting for shipping a portion of all told this would cost below $40,000 based on current estimates, which is a modest investment in keeping our community safe.

Establish a Series of City-Sponsored Virtual Job Fairs
The pandemic has left many people out of work. Although many businesses aren’t open at the moment and many are struggling to retain their employees, there are some that are still hiring (particularly “essential businesses” that remain open), and there will be a point in the near future when the city and state – and thus businesses – open back up.

I propose the city establish a series (every other month for example) of virtual job fairs, which could allow potential employees to see what job openings there are in the community, receive info on various businesses, connect with business owners and/or hiring managers, etc..

Make Marina Parking Free Through the Summer
Many people are struggling financially at the moment, meaning even a charge of a few dollars could be a burden. I propose opening the gates and removing the parking fee at the Des Moines Marina and Beach Park at least through the summer. This will allow our residents – once restrictions are lifted – to go to and enjoy our marina and beach park without having to worry about whether or not they can afford it.

Offer Discounted Vouchers for Des Moines Businesses
I propose the city establishing a voucher system in which it sells vouchers at a discounted rate which could be used exclusively at Des Moines-based businesses. For example, the city could sell a voucher valued at $50 for $35. This voucher, once purchased, could be used at any participating Des Moines business. This would encourage consumers to eat/shop local and support local businesses.

More Ideas?
As always, my colleagues on the city council and I want to hear from you! If you have any ideas on how we can provide relief to our residents and businesses, or if you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms regarding the proposals above, you can reach me at [email protected] – you can reach the full council at [email protected].

Disclaimer
The above proposals and comments are put forth by me as an individual councilmember and do not necessarily reflect the views of the city council or any of its members. That said I am in active communication with some of my colleagues regarding these ideas.

– Anthony Martinelli

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19 replies on “LETTER: Councilmember Martinelli shares pandemic relief proposals for Des Moines”

  1. wow what well thought out plans! great to see some positivity and ideas after the last letter to the editor with deputy mayor attacking a councilman.

  2. Lots of asks and only specifics in dollars asked for. Lots of words like “a lot”… “many” . Looks like a great plan to spend most of the city’s reserves, increase business costs in higher wages then passed down to the city in business grants. Well done on a balanced approach of asking mom for 100 dollars when you only need 20. Zero specifics given on any actual needs.

    1. Rob, I can’t help admiring your observations. This new councilman has a significant knowledge void in city governing., even less in management, He may even earn respect if he plays his office cards as a team player. Councilman Martinelli seems to have no idea of budgetary constraints. My money is on him not even know who handles finances there. I do understand he had a great Marijuana Magazine though. This would explain “Pipe Dreams”?

      1. Pat you truly need to get a life. Are you not the reason you pal lost to Marinelli?

        1. Being accused of racism by a convicted felon is not a good reason for anything, thank you .ELena. I strongly believe in citizens first. Illegals when vetted. Good to hear from you anyway.

          1. Pat Nardo, you are the one that was posting Anti Muslim memes and celebrating a woman in Muslim garb physically attacked.

  3. Council Martinelli, you have not been assigned the title of speaker of the Des Moines City Council and it is like you have not been so sanctioned. So I am wondering if you have coordinated your many “freebee” ideas with either council or, more importantly the finance and budgeting staff for the city. Great words are only as great as the engine that powers them, yours seems out of fuel here. You have been elected to be a member of our council, so why not consider joining and working with them. Your lack of knowledge of how things work and your glaring experience can do no good for Des Moines, but coupled with the desire to learn from the willing council members will make you the great one you aspire to be. It is my hope to vote for you one day with confidence in you abilities, Not today however, sir

    1. Pat’so buddy lost the election to Marinelli and now this is Pat’s new pathetic hobby.

      1. Elena – But what about Pat’s valid points? It appears your new hobby is stalking Pat. Sad. Without public input, how will CM Martinelli and the other members be able to sense the future path for recovery. There’s room for disagreements, but no love for folks label lynching.

  4. WHY on a council of 7 is just one member is putting forward good ideas and the rest are mute? ALL of these ideas are worthy.

  5. Sorry, I don’t see one idea here that I would agree with or vote for. Kinda reminds me of what the Council Member Sawant in Seattle was doing, asking for outrageous and crazy things that would cost the city tons of money and make no sense, money that could be used for better things! Our cities doing fine, there are loans every business can apply for if they keep there employees working and they don’t have to pay the money back. There’s over the top paid unemployment right now and all kinds of relief from the government for small and large businesses. We don’t need to burden our city with foolish spending at this time, we are almost over this shut down.

    1. Thanks to Sawant we got 15. Min wage passed. Someone has to look out for us for a change and not just the corporations.

  6. I do not agree with 100 percent on this list but I thank you sir for thinking outside the box and involving us in the public. Sadly the mayor may jump on you for having your own thoughts like he did to council member Harris.

  7. Thank You Council Member Martinelli. Your proposals are a positive step towards helping Des Moines residents during this pandemic. I see the City of Des Moines followed suit on a couple scaled down versions of your proposals, shortly after this letter was submitted,. Thank You City of Des Moines for considering and implementing a couple of Council Member Martinelli’s proposals. See what happens when great minds think alike!! Thanks again Council Member Martinelli and the City of Des Moines. Well Done!!

  8. It is obvious which members of council care about the people and not just the corporations. Every city surrounding Des Moines is going the extra mile to help their people. Thank you Mr Matinelli we need more like you. There will be another election.

    1. Elena, Can you please tell me who the “corporations” are you are referring?
      I believe Martinelli can submit proposals to the council intead of bypassing the governmental process by going striaght to writing “letters to the editor”. Politics is often referred the art of compromise, maybe this art should be practiced?

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