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Commission adopts Thryv opt-in notification system for special events
Summary
The city approved a two-step, opt-in notification process for special events that uses Thryv/Thrive to send email, text and postal notices; organizers will pay an initial fee (set at $100) for additional notifications, and the city will mail an initial invitation to about 400 addresses to build the opt-in database.
Todd, a city staff member, introduced a memorandum proposing the city use a Thryv/Thrive-managed opt-in notification system so residents and property owners can opt to receive notices about proposed and approved special events. He said the system will support email and text messages and that postcard mailings will be available for people who opt for traditional mail. Todd said, “A first notification will be sent out to those that have opted in,” and that a second notice would be mailed after approval to arrive at least 45 days before an event.
Nancy Wenandy, representing Yankton Thrive, described the initial mailing as “a one-sheet piece of paper sent in an envelope” and said the first outreach will be a templated notification tied to the city’s special-events application. Nancy said event organizers will pay for subsequent mailings, and staff set an initial fee of $100 to cover notifications, with refunds available if an event is not approved. “If we have 400 people sign up to be traditionally mailed, that fee will not be enough,” she said, noting the fee may be adjusted as signups increase.
Commissioners asked how the process will work in practice and whether the city will be a middleman; Todd said special-events applications will continue to begin with the city, which will then connect organizers with Thryv. Staff also described planned outreach—social media, radio ads and a website page (built but not yet live by Rajeev Sampali)—to encourage signups and reduce gaps where neighbors previously missed events three blocks away.
The commission moved to approve resolution 26-12 adopting the notification process. The motion was seconded and passed on roll call with all recorded votes in favor. The resolution directs staff to implement the Thryv/Thrive enrollment and notification process tied to the city’s two-meeting special-events approval workflow.
The commission’s action now requires staff to proceed with the initial mailing to invite opt-ins and to finalize the fee schedule and refund procedures. The city will monitor sign-up rates and adjust the fee if necessary.
