XCC Special Session Meeting Minutes, 01-28-10, Page 11 with Avakian Consulting in an amount not-to-exceed $25,000 to provide public relations and education services to the City of Xenia. They discussed doing something for a two-month or six- ‘month period, but he felt that for something like that to really begin to bear fruit, they needed to do at least a one-year contract to give them ample time to determine how they can market and promote the city’s image. President Felton asked if Couneil could vote on the recommendation at this Saturday's work session, because Council needs a chance to read the information since they just received it tonight. Mr. Percival said Council could vote on the recommendation at the work session on Saturday. Mr. Percival said he did not think the marketing campaign could be done internally because (1) staff does not have the knowledge; (2) they do not have the contacts; and (3) no one has the time to directly dedicate time to doing all those things. Councilman Louderback said he was a little confused. Was the consultant hired to help pass the levy, to help enhance the city’s image, or a combination of both? Mr. Percival said the better the city’s image and the more information that is out there, the better the opportunity to pass the levy. Councilman Louderback noted the levy will be voted on in May, but the contract is for one year. Mr, Percival said Mr. Gagne can also do magazine articles and other things to promote the City. Mr. Percival said he hoped everyone has had an opportunity to peruse the survey. Was it a perfect survey instrument — probably not. Did they get a lot of great information — yes, from both the survey and focus group that can help as the City moves forward. One of the things high on the list from the focus group and survey was marketing, promotion, and image. They took that to heart and feel they can begin to move those things forward. Mr. Bazelak said time is of the essence. They have a full length campaign to go after and it is already the end of January. As Mr. Percival asked, if Couneil knows people who would be good at serving on the ballot issue committee, that is the missing piece. The unions are ready to help. They can look at the funding but they need a ballot issue committee with a treasurer to coordinate that effort. They have an internal levy committee that has been meeting and a lot of information has been developed. Staff cannot do the “Vote Yes” campaign; that will have to come from the ballot issue committee and from the Unions and the PAC (Political Action Committee). ‘They do not yet have the leadership to develop that campaign, They can educate and are starting that process but they must be posthaste in developing that committee and moving forward with the “Vote Yes” campaign and materials that will be needed in that realm. He cannot stress enough that they need to move forward on that part as well. Councilman Louderback asked who was on the internal committee. Mr. Percival said ‘Mr. Bazelak, Ms. Johnson, Mr, Duke, Mr. Merriman, Mr. Cardenas, Chief Leaming, Chief Person, Mr. Berger, Ms. Steck, Ms. Fackler, and he are on the committee, but everybody that works for the city will be needed. Councilman Louderback agreed, but at first glance, he could not see paying somebody $25,000. There are seven people present who are familiar with getting elected and city staff, Appointed Officials, and Department Heads with good heads on their shoulders. Police and fire will have to be out front. President Felton said they cannot be out front; they can discuss the levy but cannot campaign for it. Councilman Louderback asked what they could do to him. President Felton said they would have to ask Mr. Lewis about that, They