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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes • March 24, 1998 Page 18 1 Cavanaugh suggested it was time for a fundamental change to recognize in the larger community 2 the people who volunteer. It was time to embrace the volunteers of the community and bring 3 them together in one place to see each other and appreciate the depth of involvement. 4 Faust suggested this be approached as an open house to honor all volunteers. Coffee, cake and 5 cookies could be served and all could be given a token of the City's appreciation. He suggested 6 the entire community could attend and pay tribute to the volunteers. 7 Marks suggested that at the dinner each organization could discuss their charter and goals and 8 this could be rotated through the years. This-would-be a tremendous opportunity to introduce 9 people to volunteers. It could also be broadcast on cable television. 10 Thuesen agreed that both ideas were on the right track with involving more volunteers and that 11 without volunteers the City would be in big trouble. He stated that a large open house would 12 probably get more people involved and may be a way to do something that is really appreciated 13 if a big dinner cannot-be afforded. 14 Marks noted it was recognized years ago that eating together is very important. Motion by Cavanaugh, second by Marks to accept the 246 invitees as the first effort to expand 6 the umbrella of volunteer appreciation and to consider the possibilities further each year. 17 Thuesen stated he could vote in favor of the motion if there would be an evaluation and if the 18 options presented this evening in regard to expanding participation would be kept in mind. 19 Faust stated he would vote against the motion as it stands. He did not believe that the proposal 20 would accomplish the goal, objectives or mission to acknowledge all volunteers. He suggested 21 this could be a function which would introduce members of the different task forces to the 22 residents of the City. 23 Marks asked how the format could be changed to accomplish the goals. 24 Faust noted the success of the open house for the new Community Services/City Hall. That was 25 a first class operation which involved the whole community. He suggested the volunteer 26 appreciation dinner could be a similar round robin-type format. 27 Cavanaugh suggested the dinner should be more of a night out for the volunteers to relax. 28 Faust stated he did not see this occasion as a night out. Marks stated the round robin may be an interesting element to include in this function. It may be nice to get a few groups to tell what they have accomplished this past year.