03-14-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 14, 2012 conducting City surveys, the survey company utilizes a 400 random sample. Montour asked the source of funding for the newsletter. The Administrator reported that it comes from the General Fund, noting that some of the City's SCORE Grant dollars offset the cost of the newsletter given that it promotes recycling. Keis felt that based on the online survey results, the newsletter should be printed in black and white. He noted that the item later in the agenda to add shredding service to electronics pick -up day, and pointed out that the additional dollars could be allocated toward the cost of the shredding service. The Administrator reported that staff was not recommending returning to the two ink color option and it did not provide much of an enhancement over black and white. The Administrator commented on the sharp appearance of the newsletter in full color, and indicated that the budget can accommodate the additional cost. Montour asked if the newsletter was printed in black and white if a color version could be on the City's web site. The Administrator reported that the newsletter would show up in color on the web site. The Administrator reported that the City received some questions about why the newsletter was not just distributed electronically. The Administrator pointed out that the City survey showed that not every household has internet access. He pointed out that the newsletter is mailed at the bulk rate, saving substantial postage costs. To mail to only those households who sign up for a mailed copy, the City would not be able to utilize the bulk mailing rate. Keis noted that this is a decision that once made can always be revisited in the future. Montour pointed out that the community survey always shows that the City's newsletter has a very high readership. He stated that he would like the City to put its best foot forward in communicating with residents, and was leaning more toward the color version. Boss agreed, and stated that while $3,000 is a lot of money, it was mentioned that the color version would draw more attention than the black and white. McGraw stated that he liked the color version pointing out that the newsletter is a primary communication focus for City residents. McGraw stated that Little Canada is not a black and white city, but a colorful city. He felt its residents deserved a high- quality newsletter. Montour agreed that the City can always revisit the situation if budget conditions warrant it. The Administrator reported that the Mayor also supports a full color newsletter. The consensus of the Council was to print the newsletter in full color. 8