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<br /> <br />Issue Summary / Update <br /> <br />TO: Lake Elmo City Council <br />FROM: Karissa Goers, Administrative Services Director and Nicole Miller, City Administrator <br />DATE: August 27, 2024 <br />AGENDA ITEM: Communications Coordinator Position <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The City of Lake Elmo values open and honest communication as well as community engagement to keep <br />residents, business owners, staff and stakeholders informed and engaged. <br /> <br />One way the City can achieve its goals related to communications and community engagement is by <br />telling the stories of Lake Elmo. By adding a dedicated communications professional to staff, we will <br />have a subject matter expert who can work across city departments to strategically plan our approach to <br />communications. Several benefits of this addition include enhancing our reputation as a well-run city, <br />humanizing our employees, relaying timely and relevant information, and building trust with our <br />stakeholders by sharing the stories of Lake Elmo to keep our community informed. <br /> <br />Examples of core duties of this position include: <br />• Creation, implementation, and oversight of a communications plan that will include why we <br />communicate, what we communicate, how we communicate, and how we measure success <br />• Creation and management of consistent and robust communications schedule <br />• Implementation of new city website, ensuring adherence to Federal website accessibility <br />guidelines (effective 2026) <br />• Management of communications channels and social media platforms <br />• Implementation and oversight of City brand and consistent messaging <br />• Management and enhancement of internal communications <br />• Communications support for all departments <br />• Communications support for Council and Commissions activities and initiatives <br /> <br />Staff recommends adding a Communications Coordinator position beginning in 2025. <br /> <br />ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: <br />Does council support adding a dedicated communications professional beginning in 2025? <br /> <br />FISCAL IMPACT: <br />This position is included in the 2025 budget in the Administration department. The hiring salary range for <br />the position is anticipated to be $72,000 - $85,000 per year. Research concluded that contracting with a <br />communications firm varied in cost with a range between $35 - $100 per hour. A formal bid was not <br />obtained. <br /> <br /> <br />OPTIONS: <br />• Hire a full time Communications Coordinator position. <br />• Hire contracted communications firm. <br /> <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />1. Draft Communications Coordinator Job Description