01-07-2013 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 7, 2013 APPROVED 134 There is a window of time before eminent domain could occur. Staff anticipates coming 135 to council on January 28 to discuss a quick take situation. 136 137 9. 2013 Pavement Management Program—Community Development Director 138 Grochala reported. In light of the failed referendum, staff is looking at next steps. WSB 139 is updating the pavement management plan and updating the computer system as far as 140 road ratings to utilize for street maintenance options over the next five years. He wonders 141 if the council wants to consider a referendum for a reconstruction project; there is a 142 conflict between charter language and state law that impacts a referendum schedule and a 143 timeline that is impossible to meet. Staff did present an amendment to the Charter 144 Commission that would solve the calendar conflict but they have not acted on it other 145 than to request funding for attorney review. Mr. Grochala stated that another option 146 would be to send an amendment to the ballot again, perhaps with revised ballot language; 147 that path would require consideration in February however. The mayor recalled a 148 discussion at the charter commission meeting that acknowledged that a majority of the 149 votes cast were in favor of the amendment and a suggestion that the council and 150 commission discuss an amendment together and share ideas, using a mediator-type 151 person chairing the meeting. The mayor suggests allowing that process to happen. And 152 if a new program for reconstruction is to occur, that should be put together in a thoughtful 153 long term way. Mr. Grochala noted that he is working with the city engineer on the most 154 appropriate treatments for areas and the most cost effective approach over the long run. 155 Staff will return in February with more information for discussion. 156 157 10. Social Media (Dale Stoesz)—Council Member Stoesz announced that he has a great 158 interest in seeing the city as others see it on line. A Web site that has caught his attention 159 is "See, Click, Fix", a complaint based site to report problems. A free account could be 160 opened by the city that would allow citizens to follow problems through to a solution. A 161 question that arises when discussing free social media such as this is the amount of staff 162 time involved and how that fits into priorities for staff. He feels strongly that the city 163 should be thinking about how it looks on-line and how it chooses to participate in social 164 media. 165 166 Administrator Karlson explained that staff has formed a committee to look at a 167 coordinated approach to using social media for the city. He noted that the Parks and 168 Recreation Department and the Police Department are and would continue to be the 169 primary users (they are already utilizing Facebook, Twitter and You Tube). The group 170 has put together a draft communication plan that is currently under review and that will 171 be eventually brought to the council for approval. Staff sees that social media can be a 172 very useful tool in getting important messages to the public. The plan is focused on 173 identifying levels of communication (green, yellow and red), based on the priority of the 174 message. A part of this plan will be a social media policy. Public Safety Director 175 Swenson explained the elements of the plan as they are being developed. The plan will 176 remain flexible for future developments but should have a practical approach to limiting 177 the number of programs and messages. Administrator Karlson added that he will soon be 178 recommending an upgrade to the city Website in addition. 4