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Resident proposes welcome packet and community dinners; council backs small-dollar support
Summary
A resident urged the council to fund a series of low-cost community engagement events and a welcome packet for new residents; council members tentatively agreed to use existing special-program funds for initial costs and asked staff to detail logistics and accountability.
A resident, Bridget, told the Essex Junction City Council she has organized a small team to run a community dinner at the high school on January 31 with kids’ activities at 4:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 7:00, framing the event as a tool to connect renters, newcomers and longer-term residents.
"I've convened as I haven't convened, but a small team has convened that is doing a community dinner at the high school on January 31," Bridget said, and described a parallel plan for a concise welcome packet for newcomers that would explain municipal services, bike passes and points of contact.
Council members pressed for a specific dollar amount and for assurances about taxpayer accountability and staff time. Bridget said many of the proposed items are inexpensive and offered an example: printing a five-page welcome brochure for about $300, with the work coordinated by volunteers and with staff help from Ashley as needed.
Regina, the city manager, told the council staff supports the concept in principle and can fold details into the FY27 budget process. Council members agreed it made sense to use an existing $20,000 "special or new programs" line (now administered by EJRP in the packet) to cover initial costs rather than increase the general-fund ask tonight. Staff will confirm exact available dollars and bring implementation details back to the council.
