Community Engagement Committee Meeting - June 18, 2025

The Community Engagement Committee met on June 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Administration Conference Room at Draper City Hall. The meeting covered a range of community engagement initiatives, including cultural recognitions, support for the Jesus Feeds food pantry, volunteer opportunities, and planning for the upcoming pie contest at Draper Days. The committee also approved previous meeting minutes and discussed future outreach activities.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 19, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Lucy moved approval, seconded by Angel. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Cultural Recognitions: The committee briefly discussed June/July cultural recognitions, but no specific actions were taken. Linda, who typically covers this, was not present.
• Donation to Jesus Feeds: Bryn Johnson reported that donations from the annual employee barbecue were delivered to the Jesus Feeds food pantry. The pantry was grateful, especially for needed items like macaroni. The committee discussed ways to continue supporting the pantry, such as quarterly food drives and highlighting it as Draper's only food bank, while being mindful of legal concerns about partnerships with religious organizations. A suggestion was made to include Jesus Feeds in a future kindness week or food drive around Thanksgiving.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The committee discussed a potential Day of Service around September 11 (likely September 13) organized by local stakes, with an estimated 300 volunteers. The project may involve weeding at the senior center and library. The committee also considered a summer initiative to distribute water bottles to outdoor workers and unsheltered individuals, and possibly ordering new committee shirts (polo shirts with the logo) for such activities.
• New Resident Welcome: Linda has been sending welcome letters and magnets to new residents using utility billing addresses. The committee expressed interest in obtaining magnets for themselves.
• Kindness Notes: Planned for World Kindness Day week in November (November 13 is World Kindness Day). Ideas included a proclamation, a food drive, and assisting local organizations like Jessica Lowe's "Be a Little Too Kind" (which makes meals for the homeless). The committee also discussed using the Tuesday night farmers market and food truck nights (starting July 1) as a platform for collections or awareness.
• Pie Contest at Draper Days: The contest is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025. Pie drop-off begins at 11:30 AM, with judging at 12:30 PM. As of the meeting, only two entries had been received. The committee needs volunteers to help set up, advertise, and emcee the event. Committee members may also participate in the contest. Tara will provide parking and supplies.
• Ribbon Cuttings: No ribbon cuttings are currently scheduled. The committee noted that White Tomatoes restaurant appears to have closed, but no official information has been received.
• Committee Shirts: Tara will order new polo shirts with the committee logo in time for Draper Days. Members are asked to send their sizes.
• Other Events: Mentioned were Art in the Barn (August 15-16) and the International Arts and Crafts Festival (date to be confirmed, possibly September 20). The committee will not meet in July due to Draper Days, and the next meeting is scheduled for August.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes.
• Decided to pursue a quarterly food drive for Jesus Feeds, with the first potential drive around Thanksgiving.
• Committee will assist with the 9/11 Day of Service project (weeding at senior center and library) in September.
• Committee will support the pie contest at Draper Days on July 19, with volunteers requested to arrive at 11:30 AM.
• New committee shirts will be ordered.
• The next meeting will be in August; July is skipped due to Draper Days.