Commission finalizes mission statement, pauses public 'who we are' survey and directs staff to map city events

Commissioners finalized a concise mission statement and redirected staff work toward cataloging city events and preparing event-level budgets, while deferring a public survey about the commission’s identity.

During a substantive discussion about the commission’s mission, members signaled a preference for “community” over “neighbors,” emphasized inclusivity and belonging, and settled on language the group agreed could be used publicly: “Inspire connections and strengthen community bonds by creating safe, inclusive events that foster belonging through shared celebrations and gatherings.” Staff read the agreed text during the meeting.

Commissioners debated two survey proposals circulated by staff: a community-awareness survey (asking the public who the commission is and what it does) and an event-feedback survey. Several commissioners said a survey asking “who we are” was premature while the commission is still reestablishing its activities. The commission directed staff to set the community-awareness survey aside for now and to prioritize a staff-led review of events.

Directions to staff included producing a matrix or “white-space” analysis of recurring and one-off city events, sharing the weekly permit digest of permitted events with commissioners, and returning with budgets and workload estimates for the commission’s core events. The intention is to analyze what the commission already produces or supports, identify gaps or calendar conflicts, and use that information before issuing any public survey or making budget recommendations.

Speakers and members of the public raised practical questions about event timing, impacts on city resources and public safety, and how to balance small, community-focused traditions with larger, ticketed events that draw visitors. A member of the public praised commissioners’ attention to preserving small‑town character during public comment.

Staff assigned homework items: subscribe to the city administrator’s Friday letter, review the Community Activities section of the city website and send feedback (copied to staff), and note an upcoming Brown Act training session. Staff said they will return with a matrix of events, permitting statistics and an itemized budget for each core city event.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the mission wording; the group reached consensus in discussion and agreed staff will bring further analysis to a future meeting.