07-26-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 5 would leave the details of bringing that forward to the City. Administrator Cotton noted 179 that all comments she’s heard to date have been positive (for reopening). 180 181 Councilmember Stoesz pondered the possibility of other cities contributing in order to 182 provide their residents lower membership rates. 183 184 The council discussed moving forward. Staff suggested that it may make sense to move 185 faster with hiring the head position and that salary may qualify for ARPA funds. Mayor 186 Rafferty suggested that staff gather more information. Other members of the council that 187 were present indicated their desire to move forward. The council discussed receiving 188 additional public comment. 189 190 5. Blue Heron Days Parade Planning Discussion – Administrator Cotton said staff 191 is looking for an update on planning and direction from the council on City funding. 192 193 Councilmember Stoesz, who has been working with a group to organize the parade, 194 explained that, to this point, they have received county approval (to close the roadway) 195 and that City approval in the works. He feels that a decision by the council on City 196 involvement is appropriate now. He’d like consideration of a budget (preliminary budget 197 figures passed out). He noted coordinated events (Thursday, Saturday and possible 198 Sunday). He’d like funds to be open for all events. 199 200 The council discussed the plans submitted. 201 202 Public Services Director DeGardner noted that throwing candy is not recommended; it 203 was clarified that candy would be handed out. 204 205 Public Safety Director Swenson noted that the City has donated some staffing in the past. 206 If the event moves forward, he anticipates a minimum of $2,000 in personnel costs for his 207 department. He’s somewhat nervous about that expense without any participants lined 208 up. With a goal of sixty parade entrants, there is much marketing to be done. 209 210 Councilmember Stoesz said he can turn on marketing tomorrow and could set a goal 211 period to ensure participation reaches a level that is appropriate. 212 213 Public Safety Director Swenson again discussed the personnel costs, much of which 214 would hinge on having volunteers. He noted that on the Rotary event (Sunday), there are 215 some new elements; the Public Safety Department will have recommendations but it 216 seems like a manageable event with assumptions. 217 218 Councilmember Ruhland said he has concern with the status and the time left to plan. Is 219 there a way to quickly reach out to people to pre-gauge participation. 220 221 It was noted that the expectation is application fees will be received by the City. 222 Administrator Cotton suggested, if the council directs, the application and information 223