City communications staff demonstrated a prototype weekly email newsletter, titled Hack Attack Weekly, and discussed options for distribution, content and community contributions. Council members asked about dissemination channels and encouraged staff to pursue both digital and analog sign-ups.

Communications staff described the newsletter as a template linking to recent events, upcoming programming and community announcements; the itemized example included summer programming kickoffs, tree-planting notices and a link to an online video about a police-department contest. The presenter said the newsletter could be distributed via the website back end or through a customer-relationship-management platform that imports existing Nixle contacts and allows sign-ups via a website pop-up or footer. "We could have it as a pop up ... join our mailing list," the presenter said, and recommended adding sign-up opportunities at recreation centers, schools and the library for analog outreach.

Deputy Chief/Chief Antista described an outreach initiative with All American Ford and an upfitter (GTBM) in which a fully upfitted Ford Bronco is being awarded to a police department based on social engagement with a video entry. "What's gonna happen is ... the top 20 police departments will be invited to All American Ford, depending on the amount of likes and views that the videos get," Antista said, adding that the department would use the vehicle as a "community outreach vehicle."

Why it matters: A municipal newsletter centralizes event notices and helps the city communicate programming and alerts. The police social-media contest is a volunteer outreach tactic; any prize outcome depends on third-party selection criteria.

Discussion versus decision: Staff presented the template and explained distribution mechanics (discussion). No formal council action was required; the presentation served as an informational demonstration to council members.

What’s next: Staff to refine the newsletter template, integrate sign-up mechanisms on the city website and consider community sign-up locations; the police department will continue its video campaign for the Bronco contest.