Draft Town Council Communications Strategy (pdf)
04/13/10
Input sought on draft municipal communications strategy
The Town Council is putting a stated goal into action as it asks for pubic input on a draft communications strategy for the municipal government. (Click here to view/download draft strategy in pdf format)
Jim Walsh, the Town councilor assigned to work with staff on developing a communication strategy, presented the draft as a step toward the council's goal to enhance more effective citizen participation in local government.
"I just would appreciate it if anyone has any comments or suggestions," Walsh told members of the council during the 'reports and correspondences' segment of the April 12, 2010 meeting. "This needs to be something we're all behind 100 percent," he said.
The six-page documents identifies these desired outcomes:
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Citizens will know where to find information on their local government and will be able to complete routine transactions with the government 24/7.
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Citizens attending public meetings will be able to hear and able to speak.
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Citizens will have opportunities to best impact local decision making.
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Municipal information, both online and in print, will have a clearly recognized identity. There will be created a positive image and identity of the Town of Cape Elizabeth.
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Municipal elected and appointed officials will understand opportunities to disseminate information of interest to citizens and other parties.
It identifies the municipal Web site as the primary source of municipal information, and suggests reorganization, better use of color and video, and opportunities for online payments and registrations to continue in that role. It also identifies other vehicles of communication including increased use of press releases, electronic message board on Town Center property and at the Recycling Center, and inviting citizens for input prior to the council's annual goal setting process.
Toward the goal of better public participation at public meetings, the draft also suggests enhancements to meeting space at Town Hall and other public buildings, and upgrades to microphones and speaker systems.
Walsh said he believed a draft strategy would offer something concrete for councilors and for citizens to weigh-in on what they think, and how things might be prioritized going forward.
The strategy also suggests developing a recognizable image for Cape Elizabeth, including a standard logo, to be created using volunteer talent within the community.
Communications training should also be available to municipal staff and elected officials.
The Town Council will begin reviewing the document in May. Residents with comments about the draft communications strategy are encouraged to contact the council.
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