Council Hears Report on ‘City Chats’ Outreach; Members Urge Broader Venues and Weekend Options
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Summary
City manager reported four City Chats in fiscal year; councilors praised the program and suggested adding Hispanic‑owned businesses, weekend times, food pods, library and senior center venues and partnership with the chamber to increase reach.
City Manager Smith briefed the Hermiston City Council on Aug. 11 about the city’s “City Chats” outreach pilot, summarizing four events held over the last fiscal year and soliciting council feedback on future formats and venues.
Smith said the city convened events at local businesses — Maple Moose Coffee (November), Java Junkies (January), Next Chapter bookstore (April) and a frozen‑yogurt shop (June). Attendance varied by location, and staff asked whether the council wanted to continue and how to expand outreach.
Councilors praised the program and offered suggestions including rotating through Hispanic‑owned businesses, scheduling some events on weekends to reach people who cannot attend weekday evenings, holding sessions at the library or senior center, and partnering with the chamber of commerce to identify hosts. Councilor Duran recommended weekend options and an event at a Hispanic business; Councilor Roberts and others suggested tying outreach to existing community events such as MelonFest or Cinco de Mayo. Councilor Hayward proposed a radio call‑in slot or other media outreach to extend reach.
Councilors and several members of the public who attended offered to host future chats, including a local nursery owner who volunteered greenhouses as a possible venue. No formal council action or funding was proposed; staff said they would continue the series and consider the suggestions.
City Manager Smith asked members of the public to contact staff with venue ideas; the council agreed to continue the program.