CC_Minutes_2023_1204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,December 4, 2023 Page 5 display at the OVAL, the skating center, where there are literally thousands of people coming and going every day. He asked if there is a way to amplify the message and the importance of these items. He thought this was something to consider, a way and place to use the huge level of traffic there to increase the impact. Commissioner Francke indicated the same concern is shared by the entire Commission and they appreciate any opportunities afforded to them to address and engage with the public as these proclamations come up. Councilmember Etten's suggestion is very helpful and appreciated. He noted the Commission plans on looking at additional ways to reach the public other than those shared. He indicated the Commission is actually restructuring its goals and last month,Ms. Olson helped the Commission with an exercise in that regard. Councilmember Strahan noted that unfortunately, in society, there have been repeated times when the City had to acknowledge hate crimes against different organizations. She knew there were different acknowledgements throughout the year from various organizations so maybe rather than trying to delineate one group or another,because it has seemed to be equal where some group has been not great to other people. She thought it might be good for the City to see that as a whole and acknowledge that at some point throughout the year. Commissioner Francke thought the Commission would welcome that input and it would be a very spirited discussion. He thought the main issue of course would be how to keep it non-specific so it could involve all such potential issues without at any time seeming to take a particular side. He stated unless the Council wishes to do so and the Council is absolutely welcome to direct the Commission to bring this up even this year at some point. Councilmember Strahan indicated she did not want to speak for everyone, but she did think hate speech is generally hate speech so if it is considered a racially or ethnically motivated crime, that is usually fairly specific on how that works. Commissioner Francke thought the Commission might need further direction in order to not overstep their bounds. e. Authorize Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Natural Resources Planning Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Johnson briefly highlighted this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action and related attachments dated December 4, 2023. Councilmember Etten asked how the evaluation process will work and who is going to do that work.