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stated that there may be employees on leave due to COVID and therefore she would want to keep <br /> things scaled back as much as possible. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood believed that some fun and <br /> memorable recreation events could be developed. He stated that the benefit of spreading events <br /> over a longer time is that weather is not as impactful. He recognized that the priority would be <br /> normal staffing duties with the recreation events coming second. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that obviously Happy Days does not receive the same priority as <br /> elections and union negotiations. He stated that there are some churches that have been involved <br /> in the past and perhaps those organizations can assist in the planning and organization. <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad commented that the churches are involved in <br /> the festival but most of their sponsorship and assistance occurs the day of and not in the planning <br /> process. She agreed that perhaps the partnerships could be strengthened to provide additional <br /> assistance. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove asked if the churches were still willing to participate. <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad commented that she spoke with a few <br /> representatives from the churches and one was very reluctant to participate in the Expo element. <br /> She stated that the other church typically sponsors the kids tent and inflatables, which are things <br /> that cannot be done safely. <br /> Councilmember Heinrich stated that she thinks it is a great idea to strengthen the partnerships. She <br /> stated that if the typical elements cannot occur,those churches might need ideas on things that they <br /> could do to help. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich used the example of the Storybook Walk that one of the churches <br /> assisted with recently. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma commented on the timeline and effort necessary to get things done. He <br /> stated that he would be concerned with placing too much work on staff. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau agreed that staff needs to feel confident coming forward and stating that they <br /> could not handle any more duties throughout this process. <br /> Councilmember Menth asked if there are funds that could be slid around for limited events. <br /> Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad commented that the $12,000 that the City <br /> contributes annually would be the only potential funding. She noted that the other funding is fully <br /> funded by sponsorships. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau confirmed the consensus of the Council to cautiously move forward with the <br /> staffing and budget constraints. <br /> City Council Work Session/June 23,2020 <br /> Page 4 of 7 <br />