10C Action 2009 1116 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Reconsideration and Approval of a Public Information Program on the City's Financial Situation and Possible Revenue Measures 2 November l 2, 2009 The Finance Committee's recommendation to conduct a Public Information Program was reported out at the City Council's November 2, 2009, meeting. At this meeting the formations of the Citizens Budget Task Force was also approved. There was discussion, both at the approval of the Citizens Budget Task Force and at the report out on the Public Information Program recommendation, on the roles and sequencing of these two actions. Unfortunately, the City's Revenue and Communication consultant was not in attendance to clarify the purpose and benefits of the Public Information Program, as staff believed that this matter would be fully considered at the November 16 meeting. Consultant Catherine Lew will be present at tonight's meeting. In staff's opinion, the roles and reasons for each of these actions became mixed and muddled, rather than being separate and complementary to the City's outreach for public information and citizen feedback. As a result, the Council postponed consideration of authorizing the Public Information Program until the Citizens Budget Task Force presented a recommendation in mid- December. As a result, I requested that the Mayor (the maker of the postponement motion) allow the Council to reconsider this matter. Analysis The Public Information Program consists of the following characteristics: • Three informational mailings to the community providing factual information on the City's financial situation. • The first mailing scheduled for early December would specifically provide a feedback form; this mailing would allow adequate time for responses to be returned, analyzed and considered. • The program and material would be reviewed by the City Attorney. • The program costs are now estimated at $61,000 - $41,000 for mailings and $20,000 for consulting services. • The program is complementary to, but separate from, other public information and feedback activities, such as the Citizens Budget Task Force and stakeholder holder meetings. • Public Information Programs are a proven and effective method of educating the electorate on a municipality's financial situation, possible consequences and alternatives. • City staff does not have adequate expertise or resources to conduct Public Information Program. Previous City Council Action(s) At the November 2, 2009 meeting, the City Council received a Finance Committee recommendation to approve a Public Information Program on the City's financial situation and possible revenue measures. The Council discussed the recommendation and deferred a decision until the newly formed Citizen's Budget Task Force made a recommendation following their December 16 meeting.