01/12/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1998 the Lino Lakes area for a number of years. He explained that at present the Times has a total circulation of 12,100 free distribution, with minimal coverage in Lino Lakes; however, this proposal is to include the St. Croix Valley Peach (free distribution shopper) as a supplement. This would provide for publication of Lino Lakes public notices in the Times first followed up the next week by publication in the Peach. The Times has a publication date of Thursday, with the Peach being Sunday. The additional distribution would be to 1,685 households. He added that consideration is being given to extending distribution of the Times to the Lino Lakes area. If this occurs, additional news and sales staff would be employed to accommodate Lino Lakes. According to Mr. Lestrud, both publications have an outstanding following, with the Times having a readership of 95.8%. Council Member Lyden asked what percentage of Lino Lakes' population the Peach currently reaches. The response was under 50%. A percentage could not be given for the Times; however, Mr. Lestrud indicated it would be smaller than that of the Peach. Gene Johnson of White Bear Lake then spoke on behalf of Press Publications, stating that he has been publisher and owner of that organization since 1970. He stated that the Quad Community Press has served Lino Lakes for 16 years; and suggested that although his total circulation has been at greater cost, the Press has been able to honor this commitment and provide consistent service at a very economical rate. Mr. Johnson indicated that coverage is 98+% with 99% readership. He mentioned that Jeff Shroeder is currently Lino Lakes' reporter, and that Jeff attempts to attend all Council meetings. Council Member Dahl pointed out that a resident had been unable to receive the Quad Press after repeated efforts to do so. She requested an explanation of options available to area residents. Mr. Johnson indicated that he was aware of a location on North Road that was removed from motor route due to school traffic. He added that the home in question has since been added to a carrier route where a junior carrier will deliver. With respect to options, Mr. Johnson explained that the preference is to deliver by motor route or by junior carrier. Mail delivery represents a delay of approximately three days. Council Member Lyden asked how customer concerns should be related to the publishers of the Quad Press. Mr. Johnson recommended that residents contact Mary Berg, manager of circulation. That would be the logical first contact. However, he added that he would be available to respond to concerns as well. Council Member Bergeson proposed to continue use of the Quad Community Press for City publications, based upon a continuing need for the maximum circulation currently provided. Following a poll of the remaining Council members, Mayor Sullivan announced that the consensus is to continue use of the Quad Community Press as the City's official publication. Mr. Schumacher asked if the customary policy of advertising significant community changes, such as rezoning in the Forest Lake Times, would be continued with this appointment of an official newspaper. Mayor Sullivan indicated that continuing that practice would be appropriate. 4