Minutes 03/25/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 25, 2019  Building Stronger Neighborhoods . We will continue to focus on strengthening Portsmouth’s neighborhoods through a variety of efforts including small details such as repairing damaged neighborhood identification signs, improving pedestrian walkways including a focus on increasing sidewalks and other pedestrian safety enhancements, and through major initiatives such as the ongoing Poverty Taskforce Initiative.  Poverty Taskforce Initiative . This budget includes continued funding for the Poverty Task Force as part of the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to ensure resources are available to meet the taskforce needs.  Reimaging Recreation Facilities . In Fiscal Year 2020, we will improve the visual appearance of the Sportsplex to ensure it will be an attractive and inviting recreational facility for all Portsmouth residents.  Reimaging Museum Facilities . We continue assessing the cultural and physical resources in terms of their physical condition and maintenance needs of buildings. In order to ensure these assets of Museums facilities are well positioned for success in the future.  Addressing Welcome Signs and Entryways. Several years ago, the City embarked on an initiative to improve the appearance of points of entry into the City. Many of these locations were provided with welcome signs and landscaping enhancements to improve roadway appearance. Such improvements send a message to all who pass by that we take pride in our community.  Neighborhood Incentive Matching Grants Program –To foster City Council’s 4 Big Things – Portsmouth the Best Place to Live, a citywide campaign initiative is planned for FY 2020 to promote the program through civic leagues. Therefore, I am proposing to increase the funding to $50,000 to accommodate more neighborhoods with enhancement projects. Tell the Portsmouth Story Telling our story…is strategically important serving as an integral component in the wheels of motion. As we continue to solidify our current relationships and partnerships, we will work tirelessly to cultivate and nurture new ones within Portsmouth and throughout the region. Some of the initiatives for Telling the Portsmouth Story are:  Image and Marketing Campaigns – We will assert our “Passion for Portsmouth” through ensuring that our image and brand represents the best of who we are and the delivery of high-quality services that our citizens so rightfully deserve. This budget includes additional funding for overall marketing, tourism, and branding.  2020 Census Initiative – Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes a mammoth task and conducts the largest statistical counting exercise in the country. To ensure that a full and reliable demographic picture of Portsmouth is represented, the departments of Planning and Marketing and Communications will work together to create heightened visibility and awareness of this most important initiative beginning with the establishment of the Complete Count Committee appointed by City Council.  Restructuring the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism - As we look to stay current with industry standards, paring tourism with Parks and Recreation strategically aligns the services that are currently being provided to the citizens via a variety of festivals, events, athletic activities, and recreational programming. In addition to tourism services, visitor information services will also be paired with Parks, Recreation & Tourism as it allows for a consistent branding message that promotes Portsmouth as a viable city in the region in which to live, work, and play.