05-21-12-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 9 make free video tours for cities to post on their websites. The video tours can be used as an economic development tool and to promote the City to potential businesses and residents. In order to get a better understanding of the product that CGI offers and its relationship to municipalities, City staff has contacted other cities in the metro area who have worked with CGI. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided a further summary of the CGI on-line video project stating CGI would sell sponsorships to local businesses and would keep all advertising revenue. CGI requires the Mayor to sign a letter to local businesses asking them to consider sponsorships. This letter can be edited to clarify that the City is not asking for a contribution. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that in some cities that have participated in CGI's program, staff has received a few calls from businesses either upset by "strong-armed" sales pitches from CGI or simply calling to ask staff whether CGI is legitimate. In all of the cities that have been contacted, these issues have been resolved, and have not created lingering problems in the business community. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the video tours usually include approximately six one-minute individual videos with topics including a welcome, quality of life, education, housing and relocation, parks and recreation, and economic development. She commented the Council could choose what is featured in each video. For example, the City can highlight a specific park, City facility or business. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated CGI provides a videographer, draft script, professional voiceover, background music and all aspects of video production and editing. The City may wish to edit the draft script to create a unique product for the community. She noted the duration of the contract with CGI would be three years. After the contract period, CGI will update the video tour at no cost to the City and enter into another three-year contract. Generally, cities have been pleased with the results and reported positive working relationships with CGI. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed several online video tours created by CGI. The cities of Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Hastings were reviewed. Staff then discussed the concerns within the CGI contract stating a link no smaller than 149 by 181 pixels was required on the City's home page. This was likely too large for the City's new website design, and CGI has indicated that they could be flexible with the size and design of the home page link. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated depending on the project timing and how it coincides with the website development schedule, it may be difficult to designate significant staff time to editing the script and video to ensure that the script is unique to Arden Hills and that stock video footage is not being used. Assistance from the Communication Committee may be necessary in the event that the CGI project overlaps with final website development. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the City may specify which features should be highlighted in the videos. Without this specificity, CGI may fill in with stock video. If the Council chooses to move forward with the CGI project, Staff would appreciate Council input