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<br />WS – 2 <br />WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />Work Session Item No. 2 <br /> <br /> <br />Date: April 5, 2021 <br /> <br />To: City Council <br /> <br />From: Sarah Cotton, City Administrator/Meg Sawyer, HR Manager <br /> <br />Re: Communications Position <br /> <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />Staff is requesting that the City Council give consideration to the approval of a new, full- <br />time Communications position. <br /> <br />It has become increasingly apparent that the City needs to improve its communication to <br />residents, businesses, and community organizations. Staff sees the immediate need for a <br />communications resource and often receives feedback about the reactive, not proactive, <br />approach to communications and the lack of up-to-date information. Staff envisions <br />making an immediate impact by utilizing the city’s website and creating a social media <br />presence. The design and development of the City newsletter would also be brought in- <br />house. <br /> <br />The absence of a social media presence is apparent and disconcerting. The City does not <br />currently have a general Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account. Staff recently created a <br />LinkedIn account for recruitment and we rely on our Public Safety and Parks and <br />Recreation departments to represent the city through their own Facebook accounts. <br />Creating a centralized communications function would provide a consistent voice and <br />resource for the Lino Lakes community. <br /> <br />With the possibility of a City of Lino Lakes Recreation Center (former YMCA) the need <br />for a communications resource has been further amplified. Over the past couple of years, <br />the management team has had several discussions about the need for a communications <br />resource and believe that creating a communications function is one of the city’s highest <br />priorities given the demand for timely and relevant information for our residents. <br /> <br />The new communications position would work under the direct supervision of the Human <br />Resources Manager. The communications function would be in charge of organizing, <br />developing and implementing a communications strategy and managing ongoing <br />communication initiatives; managing and coordinating the City’s marketing, social <br />media, website, newsletter, branding, and image; supporting and coordinating <br />photography, graphics and other design needs related to City events and activities. <br />Communications would keep current on emerging communication methods and research, <br />analyze and recommend new methods that are consistent with City’s organizational