Memorandum 15-177 HART Ballot Initiative Public Information

Memorandum 15-177

TO:                       Honorable Mayor Wythe and Homer City Council   

FROM:                 Katie Koester, City Manager

DATE:                  October 21, 2015

SUBJECT:         HART Ballot Initiative Public Information Plan

The purpose of this memo is to present a detailed public information plan to Council, solicit suggestions on the plan and, most importantly, Councilmember participation in communicating with the public. I bolded areas where your participation and/or input is requested.

Town Hall

The third town hall on the budget is scheduled for November 9. This will happen right after the swearing in of the councilmember that is elected at the November 3 runoff election (5:30pm). This town hall will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed budgets A and B and to provide additional concrete suggestions. It will begin the conversation on longer term solutions to the revenue shortfall the City is facing that will require longer lead time and additional leg work. Staff is working on an interactive spreadsheet that will allow public to try their hand at substituting in elements of both budget A and B to achieve a balanced budget. Please provide me with suggestions of things you would like highlighted or goals you have for this town hall.

Direct Mail

Monday October 26: present draft to Council

Tuesday October 27: send final copy to printer

Monday November 16: mail hits mailboxes

Newspaper

Point of View (Councilmember author)
Insert in both papers

November 9: final proof approved

November 19 and November 26 hit papers

OR

Advertisement (1/2 page or greater) in both papers

November 19 and 26

Radio Spots (commercial)

Air November 14-December 1. Record different Councilmembers talking about the HART ballot initiative.

Radio (public)

Coffee table? And Wednesday before election. Look into paid spots. Council members on Coffee Table.

Direct outreach:

Public speaking events: as short time frame allows. Council ideas and volunteers.
One on One: provide councilmember with materials to pass out, educate people about the ballot initiative.