05-21-13-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 lo- on what should be featured. In addition,the CGI proposal requires the City to allow advertising to be placed on the City's website. This would require a City Council policy decision. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Economic Development Commission, Communications Committee and the Website Ad Hoc Committee discussed this issue and provided staff with feedback. The EDC was generally supportive of the CGI proposal. Given the investment that the City is making in the website, the EDC recommended the home page graphic be designed and sized appropriately. The Communications Committee discussed the CGI proposal as well. A committee member expressed interest in the project and a willingness to help with editing the script and video. The Website Ad Hoc Committee felt that the video tours could be a positive addition to the City's website if CGI could be flexible with the design of the home page graphic. Councilmember Holmes asked if a free intern would be available to assist with this project from a local college. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated this could be investigated further and has been done in the past. Community Development Director Hutmacher was in favor of this suggestion. Councilmember Holden questioned if the video tours would benefit the City. Councilmember Holmes commented there was a potential to bring in new businesses to the City of Arden Hills. In addition, new residents could view the videos. She explained that even though the videos were free, the project would consume a great deal of Staff's time. Mayor Grant asked what fees were being charged for the ads. Community Development Director Hutmacher was uncertain stating she heard the ads were somewhat expensive. Staff would remain out of this portion of the project. She discussed the ads she noticed on other cities' websites stating the majority were for local businesses. She inquired if the Council was comfortable with allowing advertising on the City's website. Councilmember Holmes explained there would have to be an understanding that the City was not sponsoring these ads. Mayor Grant commented in the past year the City has gotten itself on the map as it has a superfund site that needs cleaning up. He was interested in the community also learning about the other great businesses located in the City of Arden Hills. Community Development Director Hutmacher questioned if the Council was interested in proceeding with a contract with CGI. Councilmember Holmes asked Staff what the biggest concerns were with the project.