2021.05.25 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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multidirectional, to have intentional, proactive and cohesive messages, and that communication was a necessary investment of the City's resources. The guiding principles, messaging priorities and challenges within the Communications Plan were reviewed with the Council. Daniloff commented further on the City's demographics and target audiences. She then reviewed the most common sources residents use to gather their news and information. The benefits and challenges of using Facebook, Twitter,Nextdoor along with the City's website and newsletter were discussed in further detail. Spangrud reviewed a communication and publication matrix with the Council and asked for comments or questions. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked staff for the detailed presentation on the Communications Plan. Councilmember Dunsworth stated this information was super helpful. She appreciated how staff broke down how information was being communicated to the public. She noted she has used the webchat feature several times and she has received a timely response from the City. She asked if the City had anyone that was reviewing communications for coded language. She wanted to be assured the City was being intentional with its communication, especially when involving sensitive topics. She suggested this topic be kicked to the Commissions to gather ideas on how the City can better communicate with the public. She understood that Nine North offered media services and perhaps this should be explored by City staff She recommended the National Night Out block captains be utilized more by the City. Massopust reported staff does not have someone reviewing every post for coded language. He explained staff members have been good about being in tune to issues in the broader society and items that were sensitive in nature were often times reviewed by him prior to posting. He stated bringing on a DEI staff member would offer staff assistance with this matter. He commented the Communications Plan could be reviewed by the Commissions if this was the will of the City Council. He indicated staff has made an effort to work with Nine North on informational videos for the community. He thanked Councilmember Dunsworth for suggesting staff be more in contact with block captains. He stated this was a good network and resource available to the City to communicate with. Councilmember Dunsworth anticipated that having a DEI staff member onboard would greatly assist staff with addressing inclusive and coded language concerns in City communications. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated it wouldn't hurt to have the Commissions review and comment on the Communications Plan. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for the great presentation. He explained what stood out to him was that it was difficult for the City to reach people who were already being underserved by the government. He encouraged the City to consider solutions to this problem. He indicated flyers may be an intentional option for this population. He requested further information on how the City could provide its communications in other languages. Massopust reported he was looking into a translation service. He stated the City has several bi- lingual staff members that were available to assist the public, but he understood staff needed more assistance in this area. He indicated ARP dollars may be used on a translation contract. He commented a third-party monitors the City's website for both activity and accessibility. This third-party flags things that might not be properly accessible based on certain guidelines. Nick Kriz discussed how Site Improve works noting this is used to make sure the City is as compliant as it can be when it comes to accessibility. He reported a standardized metric was used to compare the City's website to other municipal websites.