Community Information Committee

[richardkelsey]

I have seen and heard of this committee. What is its charge and who are its members?

Has it a chair, and who is the liason from Council?

When does it meet?

Gettign this "information" out might be helpful.

[Libyan Sibyl]

from what I remember... this is a type of PR committee for the borough. They are trying to advertise good news about the borough and keep the community informed. It makes a very good resume filler for some people. I have heard there are some very talented people there, but that the leadership may have been the result of nepotism.

There are many things the town spends money and time on, but you would never know the result of this things...

For example what happened to the the Freehold Idol winner; what was the result of the winner, did they ever record?

How about a nice follow up on the Battle of the Bands winner?

How about the winners of the scarecrow contest or the recent holiday lights contest?

Any winner of the Turkey Trot yet, or are they still running?

What about
- the Freehold Restoration and Preservation Awards
- Quarter Century Club for FRHS
- or the Freehold High School Hall of Fame info.

This group might post stuff on Google Earth and Virtual Tourist. They would try to do some damage control on other forums (which someone has only exasperated). They might even re-do the historic preservation website.

They might have developed a website marketing the town, even mentioning its numerous civic organizations - how many people forget about our theater? They might even create a brochure for the local tourist offices and downtown restaurants. They would work with other historic towns and special interest sites to spread the word.

They might even advertise our schools? The extra funding we recently got and the quality of our experienced teachers? That would be a pleasant change, and I am sure the teachers there would especially appreciate.

They might even try to make this a user-friendly town by posting ordinances, and borough council and committee minutes. Perhaps Jay Sims would even find his picture on the boro website instead of Kevin Coyne - poor Geo doesn't stand much of a chance for getting his pic up there.

The CIC might even let the public know what they were doing and inspire others with some of their plans.

then again, they might have done all of this, but the news never filtered down to the NT, APP, nj.com or Freehold Voice.

[admin]

richardkelsey said:

I have seen and heard of this committee. What is its charge and who are its members?

Has it a chair, and who is the liaison from Council?

When does it meet?

Getting this "information" out might be helpful.

This committee is new and has a solid work load. The committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 730 PM

The members are

Steve LeVine -- Chair, works in public relations

Lisa Schofield,-- takes meeting minutes, professional writer

Lisa Kristiansen ---real estate agent

Cecilia Reynolds-- Owns news paper

Bob Byrne-- works with bar fly magazine

Alan Goldberg--photographer

There were other appointees, but one moved and two dropped out already.

Council Liaison-- Jaye Sims

[admin]

libyansybil said:

from what I remember... this is a type of PR committee for the borough. They are trying to advertise good news about the borough and keep the community informed. It makes a very good resume filler for some people. I have heard there are some very talented people there, but that the leadership may have been the result of nepotism.

There are many things the town spends money and time on, but you would never know the result of this things...

For example what happened to the the Freehold Idol winner; what was the result of the winner, did they ever record?

How about a nice follow up on the Battle of the Bands winner?

How about the winners of the scarecrow contest or the recent holiday lights contest?

Any winner of the Turkey Trot yet, or are they still running?

What about
- the Freehold Restoration and Preservation Awards
- Quarter Century Club for FRHS
- or the Freehold High School Hall of Fame info.

This group might post stuff on Google Earth and Virtual Tourist. They would try to do some damage control on other forums (which someone has only exasperated). They might even re-do the historic preservation website.

They might have developed a website marketing the town, even mentioning its numerous civic organizations - how many people forget about our theater? They might even create a brochure for the local tourist offices and downtown restaurants. They would work with other historic towns and special interest sites to spread the word.

They might even advertise our schools? The extra funding we recently got and the quality of our experienced teachers? That would be a pleasant change, and I am sure the teachers there would especially appreciate.

They might even try to make this a user-friendly town by posting ordinances, and borough council and committee minutes. Perhaps Jay Sims would even find his picture on the boro website instead of Kevin Coyne - poor Geo doesn't stand much of a chance for getting his pic up there.

The CIC might even let the public know what they were doing and inspire others with some of their plans.

then again, they might have done all of this, but the news never filtered down to the NT, APP, nj.com or Freehold Voice.

LS, you can always be counted on to ask lots and lots of good questions. I will try to answer.


For example what happened to the the Freehold Idol winner; what was the result of the winner, did they ever record?

How about a nice follow up on the Battle of the Bands winner?

How about the winners of the scarecrow contest or the recent holiday lights contest?

Any winner of the Turkey Trot yet, or are they still running?

What about
- the Freehold Restoration and Preservation Awards
- Quarter Century Club for FRHS
- or the Freehold High School Hall of Fame info.


One obstacle and one of the first things we have had to do is establish working relations with varying entities through out town. We have to do so in ways that will not step on the efforts of others, but enhance what they are doing. We are very much in the process of doing that and unfortunately many of the things you ask about were too far along for the CIC to help out with this year.

The examples you cite are very good ones. We have done well with the FCP so far. I think we will be working closely with them. We are also working very closely with the first aid squad. We are still in the process of reaching out to the other committees. I will not say who, but one entity did not want to work with us. We are going to try to clear up any misunderstandings, but if they opt not to allow us to help them, we will have to respect that.

Also, with events such as you mentioned, in the future you may not even see the CIC name attached. Those events are the efforts of their respective groups and they will get all credit for their effort. CIC will be more of a support service, pretty much behind the scenes.


This group might post stuff on Google Earth and Virtual Tourist. They would try to do some damage control on other forums (which someone has only exasperated). They might even re-do the historic preservation website.

They might have developed a website marketing the town, even mentioning its numerous civic organizations - how many people forget about our theater? They might even create a brochure for the local tourist offices and downtown restaurants. They would work with other historic towns and special interest sites to spread the word


We are not a damage control group. On the topic of web sites. we are going over the current town one and will be making recommendations for change. To be fair, remember that our town did not have a web site until recently. We are pushing fro major changes to utilize the site for more and better information. I believe at the next meeting we have a soft ware guy coming in to do a presentation and talk to us. Believe me, we have plenty of suggestions .

The brochures are another issue we are working on. This is very early on, but we have discussed it.



They might even advertise our schools? The extra funding we recently got and the quality of our experienced teachers? That would be a pleasant change, and I am sure the teachers there would especially appreciate.

They might even try to make this a user-friendly town by posting ordinances, and borough council and committee minutes. Perhaps Jay Sims would even find his picture on the boro website instead of Kevin Coyne - poor Geo doesn't stand much of a chance for getting his pic up there.

The CIC might even let the public know what they were doing and inspire others with some of their plans.

then again, they might have done all of this, but the news never filtered down to the NT, APP, nj.com or Freehold Voice


On the topic of schools, we are getting a liaison from the schools who will work with us. I know the BOE has an interest in working with us. The schools are with out doubt a real value and an asset we have to put a good spin on.

and yes, we will get Jaye and George's picture up there.


The bottom line LS, is that we are a new committee. We are working on a number of things which will aid greatly in getting the word out on the very things you asked about. Don't forget, not everybody has a computer of access to the web. We are taking that into consideration and ensuring that we reach all of our town. Once we have more of the communication issues in place, many things will flow much smoother.

On the topic of reaching people outside the borough, we have also increased ideas beyond the News transcript and the Asbury Park Press.

When it comes to target audiences we are also looking there. History would be one example. We are seeking to build relationships where applicable. I am no whiz at that stuff, but the most of the other people on the committee are and have the experience to get these things done.

The way to look at this committee is as follows. many towns have a paid communications/public relations office. I think the township does and I know my work does. The CIC is filling that void with a volunteer group. It is better than raising taxes.

[admin]

LS wrote.......

from what I remember... this is a type of PR committee for the borough. They are trying to advertise good news about the borough and keep the community informed. It makes a very good resume filler for some people. I have heard there are some very talented people there, but that the leadership may have been the result of nepotism.

Your take on what the committee is doing is right on. Your charge about being a good resume filler is also good. Serving as a volunteer is good for anyones resume, you should step up and try it some time. It can't hurt and can only help. That is a very fair trade for people who are volunteers.


Your charge of nepotism is over blown. The chair was elected by unanimous decision by the committee. He is also one of the three who pushed for this committee and recognized the value and place this committee will have. His field of work is public relations and he is a borough resident. he fits the bill for the chair position.

[admin]

One last thing. I may create a board for the CIC here. I have good reason to believe that at least one of the CIC members will be participating on this site after the new year. I look forward to having that person here with us.

[admin]

OK, one more thing.......

This is a blurb that appeared in the APP

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/NEWS01/712180347/1004

Middletown, Aberdeen and Freehold Township were among the winners in a municipal public information contest sponsored by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers University.

Middletown was cited for best print communications; Freehold Township for best Web. Aberdeen received a recognition certificate for print for its newsletter and calendar.

Event organizers said they judged entries on comprehensiveness of content, presentation clarity, adaptability and use by other municipalities and user-friendly appearance.

I sent this to all of the members of the CIC. Although we are not seeking awards, this demonstrates what other towns are doing. The timing of this article was perfect because we are working on all of the very things that I highlighted in blue. In other words, what CIC is doing is getting done elsewhere, and now here.

[admin]

fiberisgoodforyou said:

Community Information Committee

howelltwp.podshowcreator.com/podcasts.aspx

I had posted this URL in the past.

CIC should be challenged first with building municipal openness and visibility. Every resident would welcome this as a prized new benefit.

One of the biggest complaints about council meetings is the inability for most working class residents in this Borough to attend.

Howell has worked out a great solution that is not very expensive to resolve, and is an excellent example of Municipal Visibility.

Howell provides a Video POD CAST of the entire Public portion of council meetings. It can be viewed freely and easily from the Internet!

Today what we see (http://www.freeholdboro.org/) is a polished, yet makeshift Web Directory with filler content and links. Minutes are never posted, transcripts are not posted, schedules are not kept up and agendas are never posted.

The first order of business should be Municipal Transparency, not who won Freehold Idol, the poorly implemented and poorly attended Battle of the Bands (how much did BoB raise?).

The Freehold Center Partnership receives a lot of money ($350K?)from the Borough and the business owners. Throwing another committee at them to augment what FCP should be doing is not a solution. New leadership, new vision and direction with-in the FCP is what needs to happen. The participation from the Business owners is atrocious. Maybe the Leadership of FCP needs to be held accountable and re-mediation is needed. But this is almost another topic!

The best thing is to enhance the information flow to homeowners and residents, that is the targeted costumer base whom our council needs to communicate information with, today they do a poor job. An unmaintained Website, a news letter in your water bill and a call to the APP about Council meeting scheduling.

Ask John Q Public to name his/her council members. I am always shocked that in a small town, how many residents do not know at least 4 of the 6 council members by name. Community Information Committee.

Fiber,

Lighten up a bit. I was responding to questions that LS and Rich asked. Realistically, I am not well prepared to go into everything we want to to. Right now we are establishing better ways to reach the citizens of this town. That falls right in with what you are getting at. We can not run until we learn how to walk. It is all one step at a time.

Who is to say we have not discussed the government transparency issue? Or will review that in the future? Cut us a break. We have only had four meetings and we have a very full plate.

Also remember, we are operating on a zero budget for now. I believe we may get a small budget in the future. For now, we have to be creative and work with what we have. The link you provided is a very good idea. I will sent it out to the committee for review.

Your post comes across as if you are campaigning and not looking at what the CIC is intended for. We are not an authority, but an advisory group. Ultimately everything will fall on the council and mayor to decide what they will let us do.

I agree with you on government transparency. Instead of waiting for the government, why don't you take matters into your own hands and start a citizens group with that goal in mind?

[richardkelsey]

fiberisgoodforyou said:

Community Information Committee

howelltwp.podshowcreator.com/podcasts.aspx

I had posted this URL in the past.

CIC should be challenged first with building municipal openness and visibility. Every resident would welcome this as a prized new benefit.

One of the biggest complaints about council meetings is the inability for most working class residents in this Borough to attend.

Howell has worked out a great solution that is not very expensive to resolve, and is an excellent example of Municipal Visibility.

Howell provides a Video POD CAST of the entire Public portion of council meetings. It can be viewed freely and easily from the Internet!

Today what we see (http://www.freeholdboro.org/) is a polished, yet makeshift Web Directory with filler content and links. Minutes are never posted, transcripts are not posted, schedules are not kept up and agendas are never posted.

The first order of business should be Municipal Transparency, not who won Freehold Idol, the poorly implemented and poorly attended Battle of the Bands (how much did BoB raise?).

The Freehold Center Partnership receives a lot of money ($350K?)from the Borough and the business owners. Throwing another committee at them to augment what FCP should be doing is not a solution. New leadership, new vision and direction with-in the FCP is what needs to happen. The participation from the Business owners is atrocious. Maybe the Leadership of FCP needs to be held accountable and re-mediation is needed. But this is almost another topic!

The best thing is to enhance the information flow to homeowners and residents, that is the targeted costumer base whom our council needs to communicate information with, today they do a poor job. An unmaintained Website, a news letter in your water bill and a call to the APP about Council meeting scheduling.

Ask John Q Public to name his/her council members. I am always shocked that in a small town, how many residents do not know at least 4 of the 6 council members by name. Community Information Committee.

Actually -- most sophisticated communities are now doing pod casts, video archiving, streaming video, and of course minutes on their respective sites of government body meetings, as well as the meetings of committees with statutory authority.

The two Counties in which I have lived in Virginia do precisely that. (Arlington County has no municipalities and Loudoun County has only a few small municipalities -- so most government work is done by the County -- schools, police, fire, etc.)

Anyway -- it is great for seeing public comment -- listening to what elected officials say, and staying in touch with issues, particularly for planning board or zoning changes. So many people work so late and so often, that while they would like to be at some meetings, life takes over.

It seems the Borough could use these technologies cheaply and efficiently to provide greater access to the means of government, and perhaps increase participation.

[Libyan Sibyl]

Brian, thanks for your answer.

This needs to be put into perspective of the other posts on this thread, the governing letting the governed know what is going on. When the ruling class run away from questions, we can only guess what is going on. Some like secrecy in the government, most Americans do not. Perhaps posting CIC minutes could be a start.

So is there any follow-up on the Battle of the Bands winner, like what are they doing now? What happened with our Freehold Idol winner, any news?

We have these great events in town and there is a build-up to many events, but no follow through somewhere along the line (remember I said that the NT or the APP might not pick up the stories and I did not blame the CIC, if you read it that way, that's your interpretation).

I thought that the things I noted were some of the things that the CIC would be doing. I am sure someone can make a longer list of things they think the CIC should be doing. I realize that many things can't be done because it's a volunteer committee and there are only so many hours in a day. I trust that people that volunteer are able to put in the hours they volunteered for.

Being a new organization, I would start small instead of biting off more than you can chew (if that is the case here, I wouldn't know - no one knows unless you are a member. So, it's just a suggestion for any new group in town and elsewhere). As for attending their meetings, well, most people realize that the majority of Americans can't attend every town meeting, every county, state, federal meeting, every BOE meeting, every meeting of work groups they are affiliated with, every charitable group they may belong to, or even every social group meeting they belong to. So, for those who sit on high, and say, if you want to know, come to a meeting, they understand that this is not a fair request, especially if they are complaining about how much work they do.

At the very least, a community information committee (CIC) should keep the community informed of its own doings and not let people guess or shrug their shoulders at the mention of the committee. It is, after all, a committee dedicated to letting people know. So why not give it a try and let people know. Post your minutes Brian.

[admin]

LS,

All of your questions you asked are good and fair. I will get some more answers for you soon. It is good to see people contributing ideas as you, Fiber, and Rich have.

You are right, we have to tart off small and go from there. We on the CIC just ask for patience and time. We will be getting things done for you ( the residents) and we are very welcoming to ideas.

I will consider posting the minutes of the meeting. I think that is a good idea. Right now I am awaiting one member of the CIC to sign up and start posting. When that happens, I will start a CIC board and give that person a couple of privileges for taking the time to participate here.

[admin]

Tomorrow night is the CIC meeting for this month. Our chair will be absent and we will have the pleasure of having Lisa Schofield chair the meeting.

I mentioned the roster in an an earlier post. We do have one new appointee, Ann Mackolin, a borough resident who I have only met once.

Here is the agenda..


1, Roll Call.
2 ,Web Site Development Presentation Q&A
3, School Rep Introduction
4, Calendar Update
5. Resident Info Packet
6, New Business
7. Adjourn


This is a light agenda due to the fact that we are having a guest to do a presentation to aid us in redeveloping the borough web site. As I have mentioned before, we are in the process of reviewing and recommending many ways to better reach our residents in this town.

[adefonzo]

location and time of the meeting?

[admin]

Borough Hall @ 730 PM Third Wednesday of each month

[Libyan Sibyl]

Brian, you're late!!!

[admin]

I will get back to this discussion in the near future, but the presentation on bettering our town web site went really well. The software we saw had features which will enhance the amount and ease of information that can be put on the town site.

Some of you participants made suggestions as to what you want to see on the new town site. Some of these topics came up and not by me! In other words people who are not GOP malcontents had many similar ideas as we did here.

I will keep all of you informed on this and other topics. In the future I will also start a CIC board on this site. There is a lot of work for CIC and I think it is good for all of you to see it as well as welcome constructive feedback from site participants.