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He also discussed the department’s effort to build a database of template contracts. Councilmember Baker expressed support for new technology that can help create efficiencies in the department and measure the breadth and volume of work performed in the office. *** Mayor’s Office Budget Presentation Mayor George discussed the role of the mayor’s office and presented the organizational chart which includes the new Public Information Officer (PIO) position. She remarked that the 2024 mayor’s office budget is similar to its 2023 budget except for an increase in the salary line item. The increase reflects the addition of the new PIO position as well as the salary increase for the mayor, as recommended by the Civil Service Commission in 2020. Mayor George discussed the roles and duties of her staff. The Community Relations Specialist th coordinates all community events including the July 4Parade, concerts in the park, Meet the Trucks and more. Management of the city’s Ready Notify and social media will transition to the new PIO. In addition, the PIO will work on other resident engagement initiatives such as the print and email newsletter. Mayor George shared the goals of her Community Relations division, which included pursuing website enhancements and a possible upgrade of the website to a higher quality platform. Regarding the budget for community relations, she noted that professional services include band concerts and movies in the park. The communications line item includes the newsletter, printing, postage and phones. Councilmember Rader suggested that Council collaborate with the mayor on the newsletter. Mayor George expressed open-mindedness to this idea. In response to a question, Mayor George remarked further on the duties of the new PIO. She noted that the new position will likely reduce the need to seek outside professional services. She expressed open-mindedness to having the PIO work with Council pursuant to follow up conversations. C ouncil and the Mayor discussed the former Farmer’s Market, which was run by an outside individual with city support. Mayor George expressed interest in resuming the farmer’s market again in the future. C ouncilmember Kepple noted that the Madison Park Master Plan calls for a Farmer’s Market and that she has heard from some individuals who have expressed interest in running it. In response to a question, Mayor George explained that the community relation’s professional services budget increased because the website costs were moved out of the Planning Department’s budget and into the community relation’s budget. 2