2019-12-03 Committee on Citizen Engagement MinutesCOMMITTEE ON CITIZEN
ENGAGEMENT MINUTES
Dec. 3, 2019
After determining that a quorum was present, the Committee on Citizen Engagement convened
in a meeting on Dec. 3, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the City Hall Conference Room at City Hall, 215
E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas.
PRESENT: Council Member Keely Briggs, Council Member Paul Meltzer
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Kuechler, Ryan Adams, Sara Hensley, Misty Adams, Katherine
Barnett, Brian Boerner, Amy Cunningham, Tina Ek, Sarah Fullwood, Justin Harmon, Rachel
Mendoza, Victoria Nakamura, Stephanie Yates
A. Consider approval of the minutes of September 12, 2019.
Council Member Meltzer motioned, and Council Member Briggs seconded to approve the
minutes. The motion c:���•i�� unanimously.
B. Re�ci� � a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding communications
for Solid Waste & Recycling
Ryan Adams gave a report about Solid Waste & Recycling communications, particularly the use
of the Citizen Con���'cr�ion, social media, and the Resident Update. Ryan suggested using these
avenues to share the best information that used to be in the Solid Waste calendar.
Council Member Briggs suggested putting relevant graphics and information from the Citizen
Connection in the Resident Update to make sure the information reaches multifamily residents
who do not receive utility bills.
Council Member Meltzer asked about the readership of the Citizen Connection and the Resident
Update. Ryan Adams shared information about the citizen survey, which shows what
percentage of residents read one or both pieces.
Council Member Meltzer asked what avenues are most effective to inform residents about
events. Amy Cunningham discussed the effectiveness of social media. Counc�l Member Briggs
said Nextdoor seems to be particularly helpful and encouraged continued use of the platform.
Ryan Adams discussed sharing information through DTV with short videos. Council Member
Briggs asked if there are cable channels for residents to access DTV. Amy Cunningham
mentioned that the information for cable channel access is listed on the Agendas & Minutes
page on the website. Sarah Kuechler mentioned that residents can access videos through
Youtube and the City website.
Council Member Meltzer suggested that, in terms of social media content, the medium
shouldn't be the only thing that drives the message. He suggested considering the environment
to determine the communication strategy and what metrics to target through the available
channels for purposeful content.
Council Member Briggs asked if the cost for the Solid Waste related materials would be
charged to Public Affairs or Solid Waste in the future, since new efforts would include
information from other departments. Sarah Kuechler and Ryan Adams confirmed that
communication costs are charged to budgets for the departments who send the information.
Council Member Meltzer asked if the key strategic messages have been outlined for the
upcoming months. Brian Boerner said that the strategy is in place to educate residents about
topics relevant to this time of year, including items such as Christmas tree disposal, recycling
contamination, college move-in, move-out schedules, and other items. Council Member Briggs
asked if live Christmas trees that are picked up would go to the landfill, or if they would be
recycled. Victoria Nakamura confirmed that real trees can be turned into Dynodirt when
customers call to have them picked up. Council Member Briggs asked for confirmation that
synthetic Christmas trees cannot be recycled. Brian Boerner confirmed that synthetic Christmas
trees cannot be recycled.
C. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding citizen
engagement, communications, and transparency initiatives.
Stephanie Yates provided an update about the upcoming Constructica�a Guide, which wi11 be
mailed in February. Council Member Meltzer asked if we will continue to remind people that
they can get updated information through Waze. Stephanie confirmed a reminder about Waze is
included in the upcoming Construction Guide.
Ryan Adams mentioned that the new guide will have less text and more graphics as a way to
share information in a way that is easier for residents to read. Council Member Meltzer
mentioned subway signs in New York as an idea for how to visually share information.
Stephanie shared information about the new post-construction survey pilot program that is
underway to get resident feedback on completed construction projects.
Both Council Member Briggs and Council Member Meltzer highlighted the importance of
highlighting positive stories of completed projects to celebrate the progress.
Sarah Kuechler shared information about the upcoming State of the City event and the new
annual report.
Amy Cunningham gave an overview of changes to the Airport, including the upcoming ribbon
cutting event for the second runway and the new Airport website.
Ryan Adams gave an update on the Complete Count Committee and shared information on the
marketing plan to encourage participation in the 2020 Census. Council Member Meltzer asked
what will be done to encourage participation from the homeless population. Ryan discussed
efforts that will be on a dedicated day to engage the homeless population and mentioned the
involvement of the street outreach team for a coordinated effort to reach people who are
experiencing homelessness.
Council Member Briggs asked if the City plans to post about the Census on social media, with
content such as videos, to help share accurate information. Ryan Adams confirmed that those
efforts are underway and that information on the communication plans will be shared in the
upcoming Friday report.
Council Member Briggs said there is an issue with City departments and recycling. She
suggested that departments and contractors should be reached out to in a similar manner as
residents to make sure the organization is recycling properly. Katherine Barnett said that was a
topic that can be discussed at an upcoming Committee on the Environment (COE) meeting.
Set Future Meeting Dates and Topics.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:18 a.m.
The next committee meeting wi1� be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:30 am.
CHAIR � °
CITY OF NTON, TEXAS
��� � r r
SARAHFULL OOD
RECORDING SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS