Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/22/2018

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Ms. Green stated that ten years ago she knew nothing about this topic and never could have imagined that she would become so passionate. She stated that this initiative would honor those victims that have lost their lives to domestic violence. She stated that it would also show that the City stands in solidarity with those who are still experiencing domestic violence in the community and will also spur conversations in the community to bring the issue further into the light and hopefully decrease the number of domestic violence incidents. Ms. Sheie commented that the more these efforts come forward, the better the chance to change history. She stated that lights would be needed for the City to participate and advised that she would walk around to determine the lighting needs. She stated that she would then draft a description of the needs with recommended products. She noted that price would depend upon the options chosen for lighting. She stated that her draft would then include installation options. She stated that once the cost has been determined, she will be able to determine the amount the coalition would be able to assist with. She stated that communications information would be provided to the City to include in its newsletter and post on social media. She noted that there would also be options to have a display in the lobby at City Hall if desired during October. She stated that another option would be to participate in#purplethursday, where employees can dress in purple with pins, and pins could be available for the public. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would be open to having a display in the lobby area but was concerned with staff time and cost that it would take to do the lighting, as this could become a large project. He noted that Ramsey is already short staffed. He stated that if putting lights up was simple and the lights were provided, he could support that, but would not want to put a heavier burden on staff. Councilmember Shryock stated that she would also be interested in the display. She stated that she would be interested in the lighting but would want more information, perhaps picking key spots that could provide the most impact. City Administrator Ulrich stated that Connexus has been a key partner with the Christmas lighting and perhaps that would be a good partnership. Councilmember Riley stated that he would want to know more information and believed that the walkthrough would provide that information. He noted that perhaps it could be as easy as placing a purple lens on the existing lights. Ms. Sheie stated that when they do the walk through they will look at inside and outside options. She stated that even if the City starts small, that would be helpful. She noted that the coalition is willing to provide funding for the lights and installation. Councilmember Riley suggested limiting the purple lights to City Hall and not the parking ramp, as the purple lighting could provide safety concerns in the ramp. Police Chief Katers stated that he is encouraged by the collaborative effort. He noted that domestic violence touches this community and the police works on domestic violence prevention. He stated that this is a great program and although the costs are not known, he City Council Work Session /May 22, 2018 Page 2 of 8