Citation in context
July 12, 2022 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
In summary, the Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force recommends that (1) a multi- dimensional, phased commitment to commemorating the African American history in Clayton; and (2) the history on the website is amended to include this community. The Board was in consensus to consider the recommendations.
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DISCUSSION ON LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS
City Manager Gipson provided a presentation/discussion on the local historic districts. (presentation attached)
Mayor Harris shared her interest in the Maryland shops which are of the Colonial Williamsburg architecture.
The Board was in consensus to research information and continue the discussion.
DISCUSSION ON CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
City Manager Gipson provided the Board with an update on citizen engagement as discussed at the 2021 Board of Aldermen retreat. The remaining timeline is as follows:
• Communications Strategy Discussion – Summer 2022 • Waste Collection/Property Tax Survey Discussion – Summer 2022 • Mayor update letter in September (special mailing) • Waste Collection/Service Level/Property Tax survey in October 2022 • Public Forum in November or December 2022 • Articles in City Views – Winter 22/23 Edition and Spring 2023
The city has utilized traditional randomized mail surveys to gather community input. The estimated cost for a traditional survey to determine service level and tax rate preferences is $11,450. This is in addition to the biannual citizen survey that will be conducted in the spring of 2023 ($14,750).
It was determined that the survey questions utilized in the months leading up to the property tax ballot question in 2021 were ineffective and difficult for some residents to understand. Staff has been researching alternative formats and more innovative community engagement tools. Staff is requesting that the Board of Aldermen consider the use of Balancing Act for an upcoming survey. This could be used as the sole survey method or a supplement to a traditional paper survey. Staff believes that the Balancing Act platform would result in better understanding of the financial situation, questions posed and generally enhance interaction with residents. The annual cost of this service is $5,800.
With Balancing Act, IP addresses can be monitored to ensure that individuals are not submitting multiple responses to the survey. Additionally, an email address can be required with submittals. This would help build the email address list for communications and act as an additional safeguard against repeat responders.
City Manager Gipson provided examples of products that other cities have utilized to survey residents about service levels and/or taxes.
The Board was in consensus for staff to proceed with the survey.
OTHER
Alderman Lintz reported on the following: • DeMun Mural unveiling event is scheduled for July 16
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THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen Virtual Zoom Meeting July 12, 2022 7:03 p.m.
Minutes
The meeting was open to individuals to attend in-person and/or virtually via Zoom.
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
In-person: Aldermen: Rich Lintz, Bridget McAndrew, Becky Patel, Gary Feder, Mayor Harris, City Manager Gipson, and City Clerk Frazier
Staff: Assistant City Manager Muskopf, Anna Krane, Director of Planning
Virtually: Aldermen Ira Berkowitz and City Attorney O’Keefe
Absent: Alderman Susan Buse
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to approve the June 28, 2022, minutes. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
Motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously on a voice vote.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
None
RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Mayor Harris presented the Mayor‘s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) members, Lily Kleinhenz and Larry Quian the MYAC Outstanding Participant’s Award.
PRESENTATION ON THE MAYOR’S COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE TASK FORCE
Mayor Harris provided a presentation and update on the Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force. (presentation attached).
In summary, the Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force recommends that (1) a multi- dimensional, phased commitment to commemorating the African American history in Clayton; and (2) the history on the website is amended to include this community.
The Board was in consensus to consider the recommendations.
The Board was in consensus for staff to proceed with the survey. OTHER
Alderman Lintz reported on the following: • DeMun Mural unveiling event is scheduled for July 16
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Alderman Berkowitz reported on the following: • Plan Commission/ARB • July 4th neighborhood celebration
Alderman McAndrew reported on the following: • Davis Place annual meeting held July 11
Alderman Patel reported on the following: • July 4th Hillcrest celebration • DeMun Mural
Alderman Feder reported on the following: • “Yappy Hour” reception at Anderson Park was held July 11 • Davis Place annual meeting
Mayor Harris reported on the following: • “Yappy Hour” reception at Anderson Park was held July 11 • Davis Place annual meeting • “Yappy Hour” reception at Anderson Park • Mayor’s food drive yielded 9,000 pounds of food, equals 7,000 meals
Motion made by Alderman Lintz to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
____________________________
Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk