CC_Minutes_2011_0919 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 19, 2011 Page 16 St. Paul, may not be appropriate to Roseville, due to our population rela- tive to the districts in those cities. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the ever-expanding use of technology and social media options would help that public information and involvement process. Councilmember McGehee cautioned that, due to the City's heavy senior population, while they may use e-mail for communication, they may not be inclined to use the City's website for information; and opined that she would like to see the City's official newspaper carry more information to engage citizens. Mayor Roe pointed out that his suggestion had been that staff consolidate some of this information in one area to include the City's strategies, goals and objectives. Councilmember Willmus noted that the Neighborhood Engagement Task force was looking at all of those areas. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff was aware that "one size doesn't fit all" in communicating with and engaging the public, and keeping them informed. Mayor Roe noted that it may not only be senior citizens, but also individu- als or families that were unable to invest in technology for their communi- cation needs. Mayor Roe opined that a majority of the senior population were pretty technologically savvy. Regional Initiatives Mr. Trudgeon advised that this would include company CEO's; and how to promote the region and bring in jobs; how to be aware of those oppor- tunities and coordinate efforts, such as through membership in Regional Economic Development Partnerships. Even though the City of Roseville was not a member, Mr. Trudgeon advised that the City was taking advan- tage of the benefits; however, to continue doing so and receive more tang- ible results of those efforts, the City may need to invest more. Mr. Trudgeon noted that many of the benefits went beyond costs; and were in- tangibles, and hard to quantify. While recognizing the financial chal- lenges, if feasible, Mr. Trudgeon suggested the City may want to put some resources toward that partnership. As elected officials, Mayor Roe noted the opportunities, as well as chal- lenges, in dedicating staff resources and time toward economic develop- ment; as well as how the City is judged based on their contribution to and/or membership in some of the regional partnerships and organizations