Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/08/2025

Home

2. 2. CC Work Session Meeting Date: Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: 04/08/2025 Not Applicable Information Title: Newsletter Articles - Councilmember Corner Purpose/Background: Councilmembers Buscher and Riley requested this discussion. We publish six bi-monthly newsletters each year, and mail them to each property within the city. Newsletters are generally delivered on or about the first of January, March, May, July, September and December. They include approximately 15 pages of articles relevant to city operations within the two month coverage period (i.e. EAB infected tree removal efforts in the winter months, fire hydrant flushing, etc.). It has been suggested that each councilmember has an opportunity to submit an article on a topic of interest to them. When considering the size of the newsletter and the commitment to writing an article, staff thought that if the council was supportive of this idea, the six annual newsletters could rotate on this opportunity. This would mean that each councilmember would have an opportunity once a year to submit an article. The article could be up to 300 words as this would allow the article to be incorporated into the newsletter without taking away space for other informational articles prepared by staff. The Mayor has been offered the opportunity to submit an article in each newsletter in lieu of the space that historically was reserved for the "Administrator's Corner." Topics for these articles would be at each councilmember's discretion. However, some parameters should be recognized. For example, the articles should be a general topic relevant to the City of Ramsey. They could include a recent decision made by the city council that you are proud of, encouraging public involvement in an upcoming process where public input is desired to help shape the community (i.e. comprehensive plan amendment). They should not be used as an opportunity to express disagreement on politically biased decisions, disagreement with your peers on council about recent local decisions or campaign efforts to name a few. If this suggestion is supported, staff would need commitment from the council that when it is your opportunity you submit an article that is approximately 300 words, and it is submitted by the deadline which is the first of each month preceding when the newsletter is distributed. Recommendation: Staff does not have a recommendation on this matter outside of topics remaining positive and nuetral. Outcome/Action: Provide direction to staff on whether councilmember articles will be included in future newsletters. No files) attached. Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 04/03/2025 08:54 AM Form Started By: Brian Hagen Started On: 04/01/2025 04:37 PM