07-23-2020-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JULY 23, 2020 5 City Administrator Perrault said the Council may wish to discuss the Communications Committee and its role, the newsletter process, how Council want to see this role evolve, and future goals and metrics. Councilmember Scott, Communications Committee liaison, reminded Council this is a part-time position and a large portion of the position is spent on the newsletter. He sees the social media presence growing. He feared they would be overtaxing the part-time status of the position. Aside from being more responsive he has no particular issues. Councilmember Holden said they could remove branding from her position description to make it clear they are happy with the current branding. Councilmember Scott felt that wasn't a huge priority. Councilmember Holmes agreed that perhaps branding shouldn't be in the position description. Her concern was that the Communications Committee used to write the entire newsletter, not staff. She felt it would be helpful if the Communications Coordinator were aware of the meetings and packets, and interview other staff. She would like to see the Communications Coordinator write the articles, especially articles specifically related to Arden Hills. City Administrator Perrault said there are quite a few articles where ,the Communications Coordinator is actively writing and interviewing department heads or other staff members. There are times when the staff member may have to generate some content but he wouldn't characterize it as staff writing their own articles. Councilmember Holden said she was disappointed with the July newsletter because of all of the COVID items that didn't relate to the city. She felt people were getting that information from television or the Governor but not from our newsletter. She felt a Communications person should recognize hot topics. Mayor Grant agreed they were happy with the current branding of the city. Based upon background and staff to help, the Communications Coordinator should be able to figure out the hot topics. Councilmember Scott said there were two long term members of the Communications Committee and when they left, Council thought it prudent to have someone with access to staff. Some things are suited to the newsletter and some not. He felt the COVID updates are probably better on social media. City Administrator Perrault commented that the newsletter does go through the Communications Committee that includes Councilmember Scott and the City Clerk. Councilmember Scott said residents like to see the "What's Made in Arden Hills" section. Councilmember Holden felt the position should concentrate on the newsletter, hot topics such as the fire department and what needs to be responded to and how to respond. Mayor Grant directed staff to take branding off of the position description.