Commission backs community programming ideas; raises concerns about survey reach, newsletter and holiday planning

Commissioners discussed a set of program and outreach ideas at the Sept. 17 meeting — including a book club, holiday events, signage for small pocket parks and a possible city newsletter — and asked staff to confirm logistics and availability.

A commissioner proposed a book club to start in November and asked staff to confirm whether the city would waive community center reservation fees for small recurring programs. “I would like to make a proposal to a motion to actually, see who's in favor of this. I'm definitely in favor of this book club,” one commissioner said; the transcript shows general support but no formal roll-call recorded. A participant volunteered to run social media and set up an email list to publicize the program.

Commissioners also raised concerns about public outreach and participation: staff reported that a recent parks survey received only about 13 responses and skewed heavily toward residents older than 55, and commissioners said the survey's access method (a QR code posted as an image) likely limited responses. One commissioner suggested the city establish a newsletter that commissions could contribute to; staff noted a city-wide newsletter would require staff time and council approval but said a model exists where each commission submits short items for a consolidated city newsletter.

The committee discussed holiday programming and the annual tree-lighting event; members proposed moving the event to a weekend or later in the schedule to avoid conflicts with nearby cities and to increase turnout. Commissioners also raised a vendor/farmer's-market update and an unresolved prize: the winner of a window-decorating contest reportedly has not received the prize because a mailed prize was returned and city staff had not yet delivered a replacement. Commissioners said the prize should be delivered and discussions about event timing and promotion should continue at the next meeting.

Staff agreed to check community center availability and to report back on the feasibility of a recurring book club, newsletter options and possible holiday dates; commissioners will return in October with concrete program proposals.