ART PROGRAM –

David Snyder and I spent time this month talking with various “Arts Commissions” and program personnel to determine a good course of action regarding the councils goal of establishing an Art’s presence in our community.  We are leaning towards the establishment of an Arts Commission that will be established by ordinance.  members are appointed by council.  The Commission, much like the planning commission, would establish and evaluate art and art programs, working on behalf of the city and council.

BRANDING PROJECT –

I have had a series of phone conversation with NorthStar.  They are doing a great job of keeping me up to date on their progress.  Most of it right now is fact finding, data gathering and analysis so not much for us to do at this particular time.  We are still in the process of several survey’s (one English and one Spanish) and trying to reach out the best we can.  We should probably see them back in Sandy in June.

BUSINESS COMMITTEE –

We met on April 25th and discussed the Food Cart Ordinance which is due to sunset at the end of the year.  Kelly O’Neill is working on updating the ordinance to give council the opportunity to weigh back in to determine if they want to continue the ordinance with or without changes or to discontinue the ordinance.  More on that coming up probably in the Fall, but well before the expiration.  We have also adjusted our strategy for non compliant business.  Rather than send a letter regarding the compliance issue, the Economic Development Manager or the Planning/Building Director will first make personal contact to discuss the issue, and alert them that the conversation will be followed by a letter documenting our concerns.  This was thought to present our concerns in a more friendly way, and allow us to better explain the situation before the arrival of an impersonal document.

FLEET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

We continue our work with Enterprise and have been happy with the responsiveness and positive “can-do” attitude from their staff.  The vehicles are all on order and we will take delivery some time after July 1st.

TRAINING and OTHER MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS

I continue to work as the cities Emergency Manager, in that capacity I attended the Emergency Mangers Preparedness Workshop on April 11th through the 15th.  Quite a bit of work this month was done on improving programs, reducing any potential liabilities and establishing some procedures.

I attended several Pre-Application meetings and find it exciting to see what may be coming to Sandy in the way of new development.

On 4/19 I attend a webinar training put on by ICMA entitled “Being a Great Coach and Winning Player in Your Organization.

Staff held a meeting on April 20th, on managing our Social Media.  This was hosted by Library Director Sarah McIntyre.  She did a great job of setting and agenda and a good discussion developed great Q&A.  We had Website training for key staff on the 26th.

Budget Hearings were held on April 25th and 26th.  The Budget will got t Council for approval in June.