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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of February 12, 2018 — Workshop Page 2 of 7 that staff further review and research what would be involved in the proposed enhancements and to bring the information back to the City Commission for additional discussion and consideration. He stated that in addition to staff reporting on their findings there would also be two presentations detailing both sides of a bond referendum issue which had recently occurred in the City of Winter Park for the purpose of funding construction of a new public library, and those presentations would be by Mr. Larry Adams and Ms. Julie von Weller of ACi Architects and Ms. Sara Brady of Sara Brady Public Relations. A. Winter Park Library Initiative i. Process to Achieve a Successful Voter Referendum by Larry Adams, ACi Mr. Larry Adams and Ms. Julie von Weller with ACi Architects, 995 Pennsylvania Avenue, Winter Park, gave a presentation detailing their experiences with the City of Winter Park's process in seeking a $30 million bond referendum for funding a new public library and events facility which highlighted the following points: • Why? Must have a clearly defined vision. • How will my voice be hard? Seek understanding first, then to be understood. • What are the citizens getting? Have a community driven plan. • What will it look like? Synergize & visualize. • Budget. High-quality & transparent information. • Leadership. Proactive communications plan. ii. Insights into the Views of Referendum Opponents by Sara Brady, Sara Brady Public Relations Ms. Sara Brady of Sara Brady Public Relations, 222 West Comstock Avenue, Winter Park, shared her personal experiences as a resident of Winter Park who was originally opposed to the library project and the bond referendum. She stated that much of the opposition was due to citizens not believing that renovation was not an option; not wanting to change the library's location; not understanding the cost; defensiveness of elected officials; and not having clear communication between the City and the public. She urged that engagement with the public and accurate information updates were crucial and that the citizens have to feel that they were heard and listened to. She added that she felt the City of Casselberry was well positioned to move forward with this significant undertaking, but should be very thoughtful and careful to know all the necessary information and keep open, clear communication with the public as they move forward. The Commission as whole expressed appreciation to Mr. Adams, Ms. von Weller and Ms. Brady for sharing information and giving insight into both sides of the Winter Park bond referendum issue and agreed that gathering accurate information and maintaining an ongoing open and transparent communication process with the public was key to success of the project.