2021.05.25 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Allen thanked staff for the detailed presentation. He appreciated better understanding where the City was currently at. He indicated there were so many different ways people took in information at this time. He stated he appreciated all the different ways staff was using to reach residents. He asked why newsletters were not being sent to local business owners. He suggested the City consider using Facebook ads in order to reach more members of the community. He explained he appreciated all of the information that was sent to the public through the City newsletter. He supported the City looking into translation services in order to assist with reaching more members of the public. He recommended video and audio services also be considered. He suggested the City consider completing a citizen survey in 2022. Massopust reported the United States Post Office does not deliver bulk mail pieces to PO boxes or businesses and this was why newsletters were not delivered to local businesses. He stated he was not opposed to Facebook ads and believed a citizen survey was a good idea. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas indicated the City newsletter could be sent via first class mail to local businesses. Massopust reported the City could do this. Abdulle supported the City spending money on translation services because this would provide all members of the community access to the information being provided by the City. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented on the PESO model and how she has used this model in her career. She encouraged staff to maximize its efforts with Nine North. She recommended staff and the Council consider its brand and to strive for consistency. She commented further on the importance of community engagement and thanked staff again for all of their work on the Communications Plan. Facility Naming Policy Fink stated the Midtown Village development will include a small park. There is a desire to have that park named something other than "Midtown Village Park." Staff commented on a number of examples of park naming policies. It was noted these examples were shared with the PREC Commission to gather feedback on suggested language. Staff reviewed how existing parks were named in the community and requested thoughts or feedback on how staff should proceed with a facility naming policy. Councilmember Axberg stated she attended the recent PREC meeting. She discussed how a park name can be an inviting factor that draws people from around the community to a shared park space, and not just those who live closest. She stated she supported the proposed facility naming policy that was presented by staff. Councilmember Dunsworth commented something that stands out to her is the term "significant financial contribution". She stated this statement made her pause. She indicated there were many residents that make a tremendous contribution to the community even if it is not monetarily. She questioned how staff would define "significant financial contribution". She explained she did not want people in the community to be buying a park. Fink reported the policy states that persons nominated could have made a significant contribution to the community over an extended period of time, so this would allow for individuals who have not made a financial contribution to the City to be considered. She reported staff was trying to allow for partnerships, such as was done with the Lions, for Lions Park. She reiterated that naming rights would be considered on a case by case basis. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated sometimes these are marketing agreements and sometimes they are charitable. She encouraged the City to refer to these contributions as charitable. She suggested donor intent be addressed within the policy. She recommended staff put what areas within the City or City parks that would not be put up for discussion for naming, such as Hansen Park.