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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 09-16 CTFM• MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE AD HOC CITY COMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1992 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Capshaw called the meeting of the communications task force to order at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Capshaw, Members Brandvold, Nelson, Andrewjeski, and Benjamin. Also present were Dean Nyquist and Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone, staff assistant and Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 15, 1992 There were no objections to the July 15, 1992, ad hoc City communications task force minutes as submitted. DISCUSSION REGARDING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION Barone reviewed the city council's recommendation regarding the part-time communications coordinator in which the council agreed on • the priority of the position, but decided to wait until the 1993 budget review process is underway to make a final decision to authorize it. The council did earmark funds in the 1992 budget for purchase of equipment related to the position. DISCUSSION ON DIRECTION OF TASK FORCE Chairperson Capshaw said he invited Nyquist to attend this evening's task force meeting after having had some discussions with Nyquist. The minutes should show that Member Warner arrived at 7:15 p.m. Nyquist said he has lived in Brooklyn Center for 30 years, and he has some concerns about the city. He said there have been low taxes, low sewer and water rates, excellent planning and financial management over the years, and the crime rate has gone down. He noted in 1986 the city was designated as an All-America City. Nyquist noted there is a lot of fact versus perception about Brooklyn Center, and he is concerned about negative influences on the community. He reviewed some information regarding the real estate market in Brooklyn Center and addressed the issue of depressed real estate market perception versus facts. Nyquist said there are good things in Brooklyn Center to promote. He recently went to his home-town's centennial celebration, where • 9-16-92 -1- . every yard looked like a park. He felt something like this could be done in Brooklyn Center by tapping into people's pride. Nyquist said there are others in the Brooklyn Center community who feel as he does, and he thinks there is a possibility that something could be done to improve the misconceptions about the community. He reviewed some information regarding crime rates. He also highlighted some discussions he has had with local realtors. Barone pointed out that realtors probably do not have all the facts in order to respond to questions that they receive about crime. Member Benjamin noted she asked the City's EDA coordinator how the promotional packet for the city is coming along and was told that it was put on hold. Member Brandvold suggested some sort of video promoting the city be produced. Chairperson Capshaw said that if it is determined what is needed and estimates on costs are obtained, then realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and other community groups could be asked for money to help fund this project. There was discussion regarding the production of a video promoting the city, including its format and who the audience of the video would be. Nyquist asked if it might be feasible to form a private organization which could hire a person that might free-lance with the City on communications projects. Member Nelson said he feels the position would become a permanent part of the City operation if hired by the City. • There was discussion about working with Brookdale and the vitality of the center. Chairperson Capshaw suggested a nonprofit organization could be set up to market Brooklyn Center and a board such as the task force could oversee its activities. Member Benjamin pointed out that not only will funds be needed for a communications coordinator position and equipment, but money will be needed for promotional projects. Chairperson Capshaw noted holding an open hearing on cable television does not make sense at this time. He said the city council meetings are now on cable TV, and no one is clamoring for more cable activities at this time. Member Brandvold pointed out there is a negligible amount of citizens who have cable and watch government access channels. Chairperson Capshaw said the choices he sees for the City regarding communications are as follows: privatize the activity; stop the activity; wait for the City to act; or choose another activity. There was more discussion regarding the establishment of a nonprofit organization which could raise funds to pay for communications projects. Chairperson Capshaw suggested it may be necessary to have some exploratory meetings to determine if there • 9-16-92 -2- . is interest and energy in the community to establish such a nonprofit group. He said he would speak with Chamber of Commerce Director Mary Welch and other community organization representatives (such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, schools, Ministerial Association, and realtors). Chairperson Capshaw said some initial projects might include a promotional brochure and a video focused on attracting and/or retaining businesses and homeowners. It would be necessary to obtain cost estimates on these. Member Nelson asked what information the City provides to its new residents, and Barone said a civic handbook is given to those coming to file for homestead. There was discussion on the type of video and promotional brochure that might be produced. Member Nelson said he will look into the cost of producing 20,000 copies of a brochure that would be tri- fold with pictures. Member Benjamin said she would check on the cost of producing a video. Chairperson Capshaw said he will make arrangements to discuss with the Chamber of Commerce and others in the community about the idea of funding these projects. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the communications task force is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 1992, at 7 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The communications task force adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Geralyn R. Barone Recording Secretary 0 9-16-92 -3-