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Home My WebLink About1991 10-23 CTFMMINUTES 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 OCTOBER 23, 1991 EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Capshaw called the meeting of the communications task force to order at 7:11 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Capshaw, Members Brandvold, Keehr, Tollin and Miller. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Steve Miller of Coleman and Christison, Inc., Joe Mann, resident of Brooklyn Center, and Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone, staff assistant and recording secretary. Members Warner, Andrewjeski, Janine Pfann and a representative from Northwest News were absent from this evening's meeting. Mayor Todd Paulson and Councilmembers Jerry Pedlar and Phil Cohen arrived later in the meeting. INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS Chairperson Capshaw introduced himself and each member present also did so, including brief personal backgrounds. GENERAL BUSINESS Mayor Paulson said two town meetings have been scheduled for November 14 and November 21 at 7 p.m. in the "C" barn at Earle Brown Heritage Center. At the first meeting, a preamble to the City Charter will be established, which will include a mission statement with vision, goals and the development of policy statements. The second meeting will be about transit. Mayor Paulson asked the task force for input on the format of these meetings, and there was brief discussion regarding this. The task force agreed to set its regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The next meeting is set for November 20. PRESENTATION BY STEVE MILLER OF COLEMAN AND CHRISTISON Steve Miller reviewed highlights of the communications' audit and recommendations made based on goals established by the City. He reviewed three phases in implementing a communications' program. Splinter noted several changes have occurred since the audit was conducted, including Northwest News now publishes every other week; • the Brooklyn Center Sun-Post now delivers to every single-family 10-23-91 -1- home in Brooklyn Center at no cost; an employee newsletter is in place; and the City is in the final stages of implementing a formalized complaint system. He added there is more interest in telecasting city council meetings, and many more cities are doing so than when the audit was conducted. Chairperson Capshaw asked if a comprehensive list of all communications the City distributes is available. Steve Miller said he has a list in his materials; it would be to the committee's advantage to get these items together and look at them. There was discussion regarding compiling the City's various forms of communications. There was a request to get updated viewing statistics for Northwest Community Television. Councilmember Cohen pointed out cable TV is an elitist form of communication in that residents who can afford it will get it. He said it may target the thought leaders in the community but does not reach all residents. Steve Miller said he challenges the task force to design a communications' system that can be two-way and reach people who are disenfranchised or who are not motivated to be involved in day-to- day public affairs. He suggested the task force should look at ways to break through the traditional mode of communications. Chairperson Capshaw noted the people who are difficult to reach include renters and younger residents, and he asked if these people were part of the focus groups during the communications' audit. Steve Miller said there was not enough response from this group. Chairperson Capshaw said it would be interesting to find out how and where these residents get their information sources. Steve Miller said the survey conducted by Decision Resources Ltd. briefly outlines information sources. He added he would be happy to share any of the information he has compiled as part of the communications' audit. Chairperson Capshaw asked what mechanisms are available for the Brooklyn Center City Council as a decision-making body when it overlaps with other decision-making bodies. Splinter said the city council meets about once a year with the Brooklyn Center School Board to discuss issues impacting both jurisdictions. He added there are a number of joint efforts between cities and gave the example of Northwest Hennepin Human services council as a vehicle for addressing social services' issues in northwest Hennepin County communities. Chairperson Capshaw asked how citizens know who to communicate with to obtain information. Splinter noted NWHHSC has an information catalog available, and the City often refers people to this organization. Councilmember Cohen said the City gives information to citizens, but sometimes it does not find out what the citizens need to know. He suggested there is information the City wants people to have, and there is information that citizens wish to have. Brandvold gave the example of a school bond issue, where the school district perceived this to be well advertised, yet there still were many 10-23-91 -2- people who knew nothing about it. Mike Miller said he likes the idea of sending things to people's homes through the mail and suggested since people want to know the state of the City, it would be helpful to hear from the mayor and city council members. Councilmember Pedlar said some cities have an identity, such as Robbinsdale's main street. There was a discussion of how people gain a sense of community, especially with regard to what residents read in the print media. Chairperson Capshaw referred the task force members to review the task force's charge established in City Resolution Number 91-153. He asked if members are interested in looking at internal communications of the City, and Mayor Paulson said this was not the intent of the task force. He added this is an empowering resolution; and if internal communication is the way the task force wishes to direct itself, then this would be fine. If other things are missing from the enabling resolution, Mayor Paulson suggested the task force go with it. Councilmember Pedlar said the task force should expand on whatever it can, and its purpose should not be limiting. Mayor Paulson added the task force should not be constrained by what has always been in this city and other cities. The task force should think about how it would like things to be and then determine how to get there. • Chairperson Capshaw suggested at the next meeting, the task force should determine the order of what to consider and develop a plan of attack. Chairperson Capshaw noted the task force received a letter this evening from Joe Mann. Chairperson Capshaw said he will send a letter to Mann acknowledging receipt of the letter and to inform him that his request will be on a future agenda. ADJOURNMENT The Brooklyn Center ad hoc city communications task force adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Geralyn R. Barone Recording Secretary • 10-23-91 -3- MEMBERSHIP LIST BROOKLYN CENTER AD HOC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE APPOINTED 9-9-91 Dr. Fred Capshaw, Chairperson 6910 Willow Lane Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 424-0820 (W) 561-4192 (H) 424-0929 fax Joel Andrewjeski 5130 Lyndale Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55430 529-3965 Jody Brandvold 5345 Colfax Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 560-8263 Patricia A. Keehr • 7131 Logan Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 340-7106 (W) 566-1649 (H) Gerald Nelson 5410 France Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 296-9135 (W) 535-0376 (H) Staff Liason: Geralyn Barone, Personnel Coordinator Brooklyn Center City Hall 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 569-3303 569-3494 (fax) Susan Warner 5655 Humboldt Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 863-5318 (W) 560-9694 (H) Mike Miller 7203 Fremont Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 566-7090 (H) 330-7694 (W) Janine Pfann, Ex Officio B. C. Sun Post 6013 Abbott Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 896-4800 Roxana Benjamin Northwest News, Ex Officio 7946 Zane Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 566-1975 0