2022.05.24 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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various ways that the City is currently engaging its residents and customers using specific examples. The community outreach work completed by the Community Resource Group during the pandemic was discussed. She reviewed how the Fun Fund was benefiting residents of New Brighton, and discussed number of people who were participating in the farmers market and other special events being sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. City Manager Massopust commented on the engagement process that was being followed for the Old Highway 8 street revitalization project. He asked the Commission to consider the ways in which the City offers communications versus engagement, how does the City influence one another, what does the City do well in terms of engagement and what can the City do better in terms of connection and engaging with our residents and users. Discussion included: • The Commission asked if staff had demographic data for the attendants at special events or at the Community Center. Director Fink reviewed the information she had with the Commission. She reported voluntary demographic information was also collected now with the new recreation programming software. • The Commission asked if there had been any conversations or strategies to be more intentional about targeting non-English speaking communities. DEI Coordinator Suggs explained the Equity Strategic Action Plan does address how the City best reach out to folks in the community, where English in not their first language. He noted the Commission would be addressing this topic further at the April meeting. • Staff commented on the translation funding that was being provided in 2022 to assist with translating documentation for the public. • The Commission asked what the Parks Departments top priority was at this time. Director Fink discussed how the parks that were chosen for renovation were selected for accessibility purposes. She understood there were opportunities to engage with other populations. She indicated she would like the City’s programs to be more reflective of what she sees in the Community Center. • It was noted the public may not always be aware of the programming being offered and it was recommended the City continue to send programming options via mail versus relying on the internet. These mailings should be easy to read and be available in different languages. • Culturally specific events were encouraged. • The diversity of the Parks and Recreation workforce was discussed, along with the hiring event held at Irondale High School. • The Reach for Resources program was described. • The way in which the City can reach out to the deaf community was discussed along with the partnership the City has with the autism community. The sensory events offered at the Community Center was reviewed. • The Commission encouraged staff to align themselves with credible partners to offer more programming that would draw in minority groups. • The Commission recommended staff pursue partnerships with the local schools in order to engage with minority groups. The Commission suggested posters be posted at the schools in order to advertise events. • The Commission recommended staff consider using Instagram for advertising purposes. • The use of a community billboard, bulletin board or retractable banners for advertising was discussed. • The Commission suggested a list of non-profit partners be created. • The benefits of Commissioners engaging with their neighbors and friends was discussed.