Stanton council directs staff to pilot "Talk on the Block" neighborhood meetings

The Stanton City Council on Feb. 11 gave staff direction to relaunch the "Talk on the Block" neighborhood outreach program and to prepare a pilot proposal that outlines format options, staffing needs and estimated costs.

Staff presented three format options: council-hosted informal meetings with minimal staff support (estimated $0—00 per event), council-led sessions with logistical staff support (about $500 per meeting), and staff-led, structured presentations with department directors (estimated $900',700 per meeting depending on scope). The report described examples from other cities and recommended the council set expectations about whether the events are primarily listening sessions or staff briefings.

Council members discussed frequency (two or three events per year), geographic rotation through the city, costs driven largely by staff time, and the need to avoid politicizing meetings in an election year. Several members emphasized the importance of meeting residents where they are and setting clear expectations about what the city can deliver immediately versus what would be considered for future budgets.

Council asked staff to pilot an initial event and return with staffing and cost details; members suggested a kickoff in April or a Saturday at 10 a.m. at Stanton Central Park. Staff said it will send scheduling options to council members and bring back a decision package if the council chooses to include the program in the FY 2025'26 budget.

No formal ordinance change or binding appropriation was made at the meeting; staff was directed to develop a plan for a pilot and to provide cost estimates for council approval.