Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/28/2018

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function and provide service to the community. He stated that staff can look to determine how the budget could be cut in other ways to support adding that second officer later in 2019. 2.02: Purple Light Initiative for Domestic Violence Awareness City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report. Mary Sheie stated that since she met with the group in May, a site survey was conducted to review where purple lights could be placed, and research was done on types of lights and possible funding options. She reviewed potential locations for purple lights including the use of tree lights, flood lights or up lights, and rope lights. She provided examples of the different types of lights and also provided estimated costs for the purchase or rental of the lights. She provided information on fundraising that is being done to contribute to the cost and other potential funding options. She provided her recommendation to try out the lights the following week in the different locations to determine which would be feasible. She stated that it was her sense that the priority would be to ensure that the lighting is visible from Highway 10 to ensure the highest level of interest. She asked that the City of Ramsey consider contributing 50 percent of the minimum cost, which would be $500. She stated that if the City cannot contribute, she will still attempt to raise funds but that could result in a smaller impact for the lighting. She noted that if the City invests in the lighting, rather than renting, that would allow the City to participate in future years. She noted that when replacement lighting is budgeted, the City could consider investing in bulbs that can change colors which could be utilized for many different events. She stated that if this does move forward, the City could work with a representative from the Alexandra House to provide educational outreach materials to residents on the issue of domestic violence. Cathy Green stated that, in the worst-case scenario, if all the funding falls through and funds are not generated, at minimum perhaps she and her mom could purchase purple ribbons themselves to put along the street lighting in The COR and the educational outreach materials could still be done. City Administrator Ulrich agreed that the color changing flood lights could be beneficial when replacing lighting as this would not only help this process but could be used for different occasions as well. Councilmember Riley stated that he would think Sunwood Drive would be a priority over Highway 10 as that is the main roadway through The COR and because of the distance from the lighting to Highway 10 he believed that would have a lesser impact. He did not believe that $500 would be that much to contribute and stated that he could support that contribution. Mary Sheie stated that Zion will be lighting the top of the cross purple during the month and a sculpture at the church will be dedicated in honor of survivors and victims of domestic violence. Councilmember Kuzma stated that perhaps there would be space in the lobby of City Hall to place information and make a display. City Council Work Session /August 28,2018 Page 6 of 8