09-06-1983 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes September 6, 1983 Page Two 7. Community Tabloid Newspaper The City Administrator indicated that Ms. Jackie Frye and Ms. Debbie Yauk were present to discuss a community tabloid newspaper. The City Administrator in- dicated that Ms. Frye and Ms. Yauk are currently working with the Mercy Medical Center public relations department in the production of their publication. Ms. Yauk indicated that their intent was to publish a City newsletter and that they would need the City Council's endorsement for publication. Ms. Yauk indicated that the newspaper would be complete with advertising and further indicated that Jerry Hagen has committed to three pages of advertising. Ms. Yauk indicated that the paper would contain feature articles about local business- men and the City. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he did not understand the need for City ap- proval, as it appeared that it would then be a publication with government cen- sorship. General discussion was carried on regarding the type of newspaper pro- posed, and the cost for advertising. The City Administrator indicated that it was Ms. Yauk and Ms. Frye's intent to use the City's bulk rate for direct mailing and therefore, it would become a City publication. Further discussion was carried on regarding the direct mail publication and City bulk rate. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that the Community Education Department has a newsletter that: does list all the services of the City of Elk River. Council- member Gunkel questioned ~he distinction between City news or soft news, and the local newspapers news~ Or hard news. Further discussion was carried on regarding the competition between the other local shoppers for the advertising dollars. Discussion was also carried on regarding the number of households within the City of Elk River, and whether the City's bulk rate could be used for promotion outside the City limits of the City of Elk River which would include Burns Township, Otsego Township, Ramsey Township, and other areas that are part of the total Elk River Community. Further discussion was carried on regarding competition and preferential treatment to the community newspaper with the bulk rate for direct mailing. Ms. Yauk indicated that she felt the market was there, that local advertisers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the local shopper and are interested in advertising in a new newspaper. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she felt competition was good but had some concerns regarding the City's involvement. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he liked the idea of a City Newspaper but had some reservations regarding the unanswered questions that had come up through the discussion with regard to the area to be served and the use of the City's mailing bulk rate for private enterprise. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt if the City was to look at a City Newspaper published by a private enterprise, they must receive a response from the other local paper as well. It was the consensus of the City Council to do further research into the idea of a community newspa~er published by a private enterprise.