Do you want to see more of your Soldotna City Council members? The group is brainstorming ways to boost its visibility around town, particularly at community events.
Vice Mayor Lisa Parker told city council members earlier this month that she wants the city to take a more organized approach to public engagement through community events, and to initiate quarterly events through which council members could congregate with constituents. Such an event could be held at a local coffee shop, she said, with refreshments paid for by the city.
Citing recent public engagement with the city council, Parker further suggested that the city commit to having a booth at some of Soldotna’s annual events, such as Frozen RiverFest, Music in the Park and Progress Days. Currently, the city is present at community events on an “ad hoc basis,” Parker said, and she would like that process to be more collaborative.
“All of us are very proud of the City of Soldotna and what we do here, but I think we as a council need to be more engaged and out in the community, particularly when there’s community events,” Parker told council members.
Council member Jordan Chilson said he is “fully supportive” of the idea, but questioned whether all council members would be able to congregate in such a way without violating the Open Meetings Act. That act requires governing bodies to meet publicly and for there to be reasonable notice of such meetings.
Soldotna City Clerk Johni Blankenship said any instance where more than three city council members convened would require public notice.
A full list of events happening in the City of Soldotna this summer can be found on the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce’s website at visitsoldotna.com.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
