Mayor and Council Work Session, 1/10/2011

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011

A work session of the Mayor and City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Katz presiding.  Council Members present: Ashman, Drzyzgula, Marraffa, Sesma and Spiegel.  Staff present: Deputy City Manager Tomasello, Director of Public Works Arnoult, Community and Public Relations Director Monaco, Parks, Recreation and Culture Director Potter, and City Attorney Board.

I. DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. State of the City Event
   
   Britta Monaco, Director of Community and Public Relations presented options for the 2011 State of the City presentation.  The budget for the event was reduced from $18,500 to just under $5,000 in FY2011.  Options presented to the Council included (a) moving the event from a dinner to a breakfast, (b) changing the venue and nature of the event from a plated meal at a hotel to a presentation and refreshments at Asbury Methodist Village’s theatre, and (c) splitting the event into two components, a State of the City address and remarks by elected officials during a Mayor and City Council work session in the spring, with a casual volunteer recognition luncheon during the Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne Festival in the fall.  The Mayor and Council provided direction to pursue Option 2, conducting the event at Asbury Methodist Village, using an invitation list similar to last year’s event.  The concept of an additional volunteer recognition activity in FY12 was discussed.  Staff was asked to explore with volunteers what might be of interest, including a picnic at Bohrer Park, an activity at the Water Park, something during the Celebrate Gaithersburg Festival, or simply sending complimentary pool and/or miniature golf passes with a thank you letter. 
   
   
2. Policies on Sponsorship Opportunities
   
   Michele Potter, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture presented an overview of various sponsorship opportunities; policies, including Financial Naming Rights; Commemorative Naming Rights; General Sponsorship Opportunities; Program Presenting Sponsorship; and Commercial Advertising.  The purpose, scope, application process, general principles, and guidelines were highlighted.  An inventory of current named interior and exterior spaces, staff’s current efforts as well as next steps were also emphasized. 
   
   The Mayor and Council provided feedback that, in this economic climate, new revenue streams would be beneficial.  It was suggested that staff exercise caution in naming events in order to avoid unintentionally changing the public’s perception of them.  Based on the discussions, staff will amend some of the criteria presented and move to create a “catalog” of potential events, locations, programs and services including the proposed value of the sponsorship(s).  The Mayor and Council will submit any feedback regarding the written policies and/or subsequent catalog to the City Attorney or Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

II. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before this session of the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.