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Councilmember Woestehoff asked if the pedestrian safety plan was a new thing or if it has been <br />around for a while. <br /> <br />City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby explained that the pedestrian safety plan is not a <br />formal plan, it is just to address pedestrian safety as the City moves through projects. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen moved on to the strategy of connecting the community through parks, <br />trails, and recreational programming with action items to complete parks capital improvements <br />which looks at having adequate parks, trails and public spaces currently and in the future. He stated <br />that this will be slightly adjusted as parks is moved to the top strategy. He shared that he looks at <br />this as understanding the funding sources and having a realistic plan of what they can do and if <br />they want to do more, than additional funding needs to be identified. He noted that it has been <br />discussed that there are many playgrounds in the replacement plan and how many can get done <br />within a year. He stated that two were done last year. He discussed continuing to provide unique <br />recreation destinations. He moved on to discuss the action item of connecting the trail system. He <br />noted the need to identify and be aware of trail system deficiencies which is something that the <br />Public Works Committee has discussed. He discussed providing community recreational <br />programming and the goal to increase the awareness of the opportunities by advertising in the <br />newsletter and social media to grow these programs. He noted that a key indicator would be to <br />maintain the existing programming levels while reviewing the cost benefit of these opportunities. <br />He explained that this would concern the City having opportunities that are already available <br />through a private entity. He discussed securing a Ramsey ZIP code and they will get aggressive <br />on this item in 2026 to make the next step. He stated that when they get closer to 2026 they will <br />get more information from USPS on what they are really looking for. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley stated that the response from USPS is different from the response that they <br />presented a few years ago when they were in front of them at a meeting. He shared that USPS <br />asked them to continue to give them updates. He stated that they also request that cities do not go <br />through their US Congressman; however, that seems like it would be effective. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted that this item will stay on the strategic plan. He discussed <br />supporting and recognizing community volunteers and how they could make a ‘Volunteer of the <br />Month Award’ and continue to work with businesses and recognize the businesses and residents <br />as they help clean up the community. He also shared the idea of inviting outside groups to lead the <br />Pledge of Allegiance at Council meetings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove suggested there be a volunteer recognition award that can be given out <br />as things happen rather than having a volunteer of the month. She stated that this could be given <br />out to the businesses when they take on a clean-up effort or a resident who volunteers rather than <br />having to find someone every month. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma agreed. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen reviewed the strategy of enhancing the City’s communication through <br />transparency and accountability and noted the action items of proactive and time relevant <br />communication which can be accomplished by determining the best and most effective way to <br />City Council Special Work Session /June 6, 2023 <br />Page 6 of 13 <br /> <br />