Agenda - Council - 02/23/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich stated that both police and fire hold community open house events and other public engagement activities which are shown on the schedule and will be dependent on guidance from the Governor at that time. Councilmember Musgrove stated that overall, she would like to see the City do as much as it can in terms of events. She hoped that the City would not have to use tickets and require residents to register for the concerts as it is open space and people could be spread out. She asked if the expo is already canceled. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented with an event of that size they could not plan well enough in advance for April and therefore that has been postponed. He hoped that perhaps that could be done in October if regulations are loosened. Councilmember Musgrove suggested possibly holding the event during the summer months. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that staff has to use the best guidance estimates and to hold an indoor event during June/July would seem optimistic. He stated that signs would point towards fall being a better opportunity but noted that staff will review the options when it is closer to the time needed for planning. Councilmember Howell asked if it would be within the purview of the Mayor and the City Administrator to make a decision to drastically change or modify events without input from the Council. Mayor Kuzma commented that any change would come before the Council. Councilmember Howell asked if the Council could have input on different changes for events, such as tree lighting. She believed that tweaks should come before the Council if possible. City Administrator Ulrich agreed that is a reasonable approach. He explained that the tree lighting was shifted on a staff level and recognized the disappointment that some members of the Council expressed. He agreed that it would make sense to bring format changes to the Council for discussion. He noted that events typically have a three -to -four -month lead time and advised that input from the Council could be incorporated into the process. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided background information on the difficulties in the tree lighting event, noting a connection that was lost at Connexus as well as COVID challenges and regulations. He confirmed that options can be brought to the Council this year and better explain the known cost. Councilmember Musgrove commented that Anoka has a large tree lighting each year and perhaps that staff could provide a connection. She noted that there is also a tree business in Ramsey that may be willing to participate. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that staff will gather input from those sources. City Council Work Session / February 16, 2021 Page 9 of 12