03/16/2004 - City Council Communications CommitteeCommunications Committee Notes
3/16/04 Meeting
4:30 P.M.
Present:
Councilmember Carlson
Councilmember Maguire
Administrator Hedges
Communications Director Garrison
Agenda
I. Community Center Marketing
The committee reviewed the latest Community Center marketing update
(attached) including the January campaign for new fitness members. 159
new members were gained from the campaign. New members were asked
where they heard about the ECC. The city newsletter and the fitness
information special aired on Community Television were the top two
sources new members cited. Advertising in weekly papers was
disappointing in its results. Councilmember Carlson inquired about the
total number of members to date and whether that was in line with
projections.
A concern was raised regarding food served at the Community Center and
whether there were any warnings of what it contained for those suffering
from certain allergies (peanut oil for instance.) This would be important
information to post in the food vending area (not just at the ECC, but at
Cascade Bay, the Civic Arena and elsewhere), and for caterers to make
patrons aware.
The committee indicated there is still a need for more signage and maps
telling people how to get to the Community Center, particularly from the
Civic Arena. There is some confusion between the two buildings and
there may be a need to change the name to Eagan Ice Arena in the same
way there was confusion between the former Community Room at City
Hall and the Community Center, resulting in the former being renamed the
Eagan Room. Staff continues to work with Map Quest to get the right
information displayed instead of a map to St. Paul that currently comes up.
Councilmember Carlson suggested future issues of Discover Us promote
aspects of the Community Center on the cover regularly.
II. Web site update and discussion
The committee heard information about current usage statistics including
more than 31,000 visits in February and 1.04 million hits. The committee
reviewed new functionality to be added to the site in 2004 and
recommended the Communications Department research and price new
Web capabilities and Best Practices among award-winning cities to
determine Eagan’s 2005 budget priorities. Director Garrison will report
back to the Committee.
Councilmember Maguire expressed concern about the number of clicks it
takes to get to certain information on the site and occasional instances of
information not coming up. Director Garrison asked that anyone finding
something not working on the site e-mail the direct page link to the
Communications Department so the problem can be fixed. Newly
installed software (Web Trends) should also help spot broken links.
III. Standardized City Logo
The committee heard a brief overview of the various ways the City of
Eagan marks are used on letterhead, signage, and in publications. There is
great disparity in depictions of the Eagan tree and various word marks
resulting in no clear branding or identification. The committee
recommended two alternatives be brought forward to the full City Council
for a decision and that official policies enforcing and restricting its use
also should be drafted for consideration. The committee noted the need to
legally protect such marks by registering them.
IV. Technology Task Force Update
The committee had no questions about the technology task force materials
to be discussed at the 3/16 Council meeting. It was noted that Northwest
Airlines is apparently selling excess fiber time.
V. Other
Councilmember Maguire asked for and the committee received the
production schedule for the bimonthly Experience Eagan newsletter. A
suggestion was made to consider budgeting for one or more additional
four page inserts 1) highlighting how citizens can get involved and
engaged, 2) Going in depth on specific issues like Phosphorus, how
neighbors can landscape their homes to be more protective of the
environment, or 3) featuring a citizen education component on things like
greenway issues or neighborhoods.
The Committee adjourned prior to the City Council meeting commencing at 6:00 P.M.
_________________________
Communications Director