Belvedere, Ark ask residents to fill out city's survey about its communication

Belvedere is seeking resident feedback in a 15-question survey about the city’s communications with residents.

Last year, the city made several changes to its approach, including the creation of a new website with large portals to popular topics; a monthly e-newsletter, the Belvedere Breeze; and a timely alert newsletter, the Belvedere Blast.

About the same time, the city also issued a media policy to The Ark that limits its direct access to Belvedere public officials, department heads, other staff and the city attorney, requiring that all interview and comment requests be directed only through the city manager and granted only with his approval.

While officials have said the intent is to streamline communications and ensure unified messaging, the policy frequently delays The Ark’s access to officials and to timely and complete information, as well as its ability to provide that information to the public.

This has meant, for example, The Ark must obtain permission to speak with the Belvedere police chief for routine public-safety communications or reporting on crime incidents and department activities and policies — including during active emergency and disaster scenarios such as the tsunami warning in December.

At the same time, the media policy also seeks to limit The Ark’s access to members of the City Council, with any council comments to be provided by the mayor, though each member is individually elected by resident voters and responsible for their own governing actions, including any individual votes opposing the majority.

The Ark attempts to follow Belvedere’s policy on a case-by-case basis as it deems appropriate but is often referred back to the city manager for permission; some officials, councilmembers and staff adhere to the policy more strictly than others.

Readers who learn about this survey and receive other news and information about the city of Belvedere from The Ark are encouraged to check the corresponding box and consider including comments about media accessibility in response to questions about ways the city of Belvedere can improve overall communication with residents.

Take the survey by Feb. 28 via arkn.ws/belsurvey.

Visit the city’s website and sign up for its newsletter and other direct alerts via cityofbelvedere.org.

— Kevin Hessel, executive editor

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