Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/14/2016

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discussion could be postponed and brought forward with the communications program in order to make a more coordinated effort. He noted that at this time there is not a goal specified. Mayor Strommen stated that she could think of ideas such as branding or identification of areas but noted that she would not be interested in investing funds without a goal. She stated that the goal would need to be identified and it would need to be determined if this would be the best method to reach that goal. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the broader picture is the image for the community and where the efforts need to be focused in order to create that image. He stated that, in his opinion, the Highway 10 and 47 corridors would be the primary objectives, noting that other priorities would then fall under those. He stated that while the banners are important he would view those as a second or third level opportunity. Councilmember Shryock stated that she does see the banners could be used to identify a place and assist with branding but was not sure that this was the right time. She believed that there is more work to do before this discussion should occur, such as identifying areas and locations for banners. Councilmember Riley stated that he brought this issue up because a resident brought up the issue to him. He stated that it was brought to him at the Christmas tree lighting that the main street is not decorated, noting that other cities have banners along their main street. He stated that he was impressed with the cost as he thought the cost would be higher. He agreed that perhaps the timing is not right as the Highway 10 and 47 corridors are important, but noted that he is not seeing anything getting done in those areas. Mayor Strommen stated that perhaps the Council should have another discussion regarding the streetscaping for that main street. She noted that a goal would still need to be identified to determine if banners is the right answer and fit for the streetscape. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he likes graphics and the banners would project a sense of pride in the community. He stated that in his opinion the cost looks high and he believed could be lowered to provide a low cost option to make the main street look nicer. He stated that he would be happy to share some knowledge with staff. Mayor Strommen stated that she would like the Council to be clear on what is trying to be achieved. She noted that if the focus is streetscaping, then the Council should review examples from other cities to determine the look they are attempting to define for the area and how best to reach that goal. City Administrator Ulrich stated that there are sections of the streetscaping that have been completed as development has been completed and noted that as development continues to be completed the streetscaping will be filled in. He acknowledged that the streetscaping is scattered and noted that perhaps banners would be a good idea to tie that all together in the meantime. He agreed that a theme would need to be identified in order to tie in the banner with the brand of the City Council Work Session / June 14, 2016 Page 4 of 6