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Public Works Administration City of Eugene 858 Pearl Street MEMORANDUM Eugene, Oregon 97401 (541) 682 -5241 (541) 682 -6826 FAX www.ci.eugene.or.us Date: June 5, 2007 To: Eugene Public Works Department Management Team From: Eric Jones Subject: Public Works Day Debrief and Recommendations for 2008 Event Debrief of Event Public Works Day was held on May 17, and by all accounts was a success. Staff generally enjoyed the event, and the attendees, including Mayor Kitty Piercy and Councilor Jennifer Solomon, have expressed great appreciation. Thanks are in order for the excellent work done by the members of the 2007 Public Works Day planning team: Kathleen Birkholz, Lyllian Breitenstein, Kelly Darnell, Kathy Eva, Jeffrey Flowers, Kevin Foerstler, Chris Girard, Jackie Hallett, Kristi Hayden, Mark Koble, Ed Lee, Debbie Moulton, Josh Richmond, Carla Spangler, Mike Spangler, Cathryn Stephens, and defacto member Tina Siria. Attached are comments received from the planning team, department staff, and the public. Of particular interest is the community goodwill the event generates, as shown in the high opinion people have of Public Works after attending the event. We tend to get higher marks for "entertainment" (how much the adults and children enjoyed the event) than for "education" (how much adults and children learned about Public Works). Total attendance is estimated at 1,200 children and 400 adults, including 350 walk -ins (more than we expected). We have lots of photos, a video, and excellent records of the event (much of the material is stored on a shared server at \ \cesrv800 \public \pwday\2007). On the financial side, Debbie Clark has finalized the post -event budget. Actual expenses are approximately $11,020, about 9% over the budgeted $10,090, with the increases generally spread across all categories. ► See attached budget summary, including amounts to be journaled to the divisions, prorated by FTE. Recommendations for 2008 Event The planning team was unanimous in support of celebrating Public Works Day with the community. However, the members were less than unanimous in terms of how the event should be structured. The group discussed the pros and cons of holding next year's event at Alton Baker Park on a Thursday or some other weekday. Arguments in favor included less demand on Roosevelt Yard staff, the fact that Alton Baker is a really nice setting that includes park, stormwater, wastewater and transportation infrastructure, the general availability of the park on week days, and the idea that doing things differently sometimes brings out new creative energy. Arguments in opposition included logistical uncertainty (we've never done this event outside the yard), the likely need for security if we set up on Wednesday afternoon, and the confusion a change in location might cause for schools and other regular attendees. Some felt that holding the event at the yard provides an annual incentive to clean up the yard. ► Division managers are requested to make a decision on the venue/date this summer so we can provide timely notice to schools.