Attachment 05_Cable TV and Public Information Office MemoRG
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Aug. 5, 2010
Safe Community Task Force Recommendations
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This memo is in response to your July 22, 2010, memo asking for recommendations in response
to the recommendations submitted to the City Council on July 19 by the Safe Community Task
Force.
It is clear that (if approved and implemented) many of the recommendations will require
significant public education /awareness campaigns to be effective. With the exception of paid
advertising and printing costs, there are options to conduct these campaigns without major
budget implications by utilizing existing City communication options (CityChannel 8, publications,
website) and other free publicity options. Depending upon which and how many
recommendations are approved, creating public awareness and understanding may require
significant staff time.
Here are my thoughts on some of the specific recommendations:
Increase public understanding of the Section 8 Program
One possibility is a CityChannel 8 program on Section 8 to better explain the program and
address myths and misperceptions. An article with similar information could also be published
in a future issue of the City News newsletter.
Increase the number of neighborhood clean ups and educate the community
on city waste disposal policies in an effort to clarify the purpose of
neighborhood clean up programs.
The Public Information Office and Cable TV Division are currently working with Resource
Management Coordinator Paul Schultz to create a CityChannel 8 program on proper solid
waste and recycling methods for the City's curbside collection activity. We will also include
reminders in future issues of the City News newsletter.
A final suggestion is the development of a comprehensive brochure for new residents to help
them be more informed of City policies. It would covers basic policies related to City utilities;
refuse and recycling; quality of life ordinances related to loud music, loud vehicles, pet waste, and
other issues that have been discussed by the SCTF; and civic engagement opportunities
provided by the City. The City could give this publication to every new utility customer and make
them available to major employers to give to their new employees. Our website does currently
provide a "New Residents Guide" at http:// www. cityofdubuque .org /newcomerguide, but it is
basically just listing of referrals. This project would involve printing costs.