07/07/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

3. City website: The city website, which has undergone recent upgrades, is regularly used to communicate information. The Home Page will provide direct links to the charter amendment information. 4. Press Releases: Press releases are sent to the Quad Community Press, The Citizen, St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune. In addition, staff connects with the local reporters for a news story. Also available to the city are special columns in the Quad Press (Revolving Door) that allows for some leeway to expand on issues that fact sheets do not. This column must come from a specific individual (i.e., mayor, city administrator). 5. Open Houses: Generally two open houses are held, and are announced in the city newsletter or separate mailer, on the website, on cable channel 16, on the Community National Bank reader board, and with a colored advertisement in the Quad Press. (Road reconstruction referendum open houses, while widely publicized, are poorly attended.) 6. Cable Channel 16: City Look, a public access cable show dedicated to city events or issues, is available. In past years staff has arranged to have a segment regarding the referendum. In 2005, City Council considered, but did not approve, a proposal from financial consultants and a public relations firm to develop the public information efforts for that year's referendum (See attached). This year's ballot question is considerably more complex than past road reconstruction referendums. Voters must have an understanding of the charter, and recognize the long -term benefits of investment in local infrastructure. At this point we don't know if there will be one question or multiple questions, and we don't know what the ballot language will be. Establish the means to implement the message The Council Goal established the Administration Department as the Lead Party and the Citizens' Task Force as the Key Contributor. Effective communication will require a team effort. Given the complexity of the question, public relations consultants, financial consultants and legal counsel should be brought in to develop and implement the communications for this charter amendment ballot question. Council should also determine how the Citizens' Task Force and other avenues of citizen involvement can contribute to a positive outcome. Establish a schedule The communications strategies will need to be scheduled in advance of council deadlines: • September 8: City council meeting to approve ballot language • September 11: Ballot language must be submitted to Anoka County. • November 4: General election. Communications will need to be prepared in September for delivery in early to mid - October. 2