HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 6/1/2021 - Memorandum From Darin Atteberry Re: May 7-8, 2021 Council Retreat Report
MEMORANDUM
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
DATE: May 27, 2021
TO: Mayor Arndt and City Council
FROM: Darin Atteberry
RE: May 7-8, 2021 Council Retreat Report
City Council met with facilitator Julia Novak and their direct reports on Friday May 7 and with
the Executive Leadership Team on Saturday May 8 at Innosphere. Notes from the meeting are
attached, including a review of existing Council priorities and suggested additional priorities.
This information will be used to prepare for a second discussion of Council priorities, scheduled
for June 29.
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Governing Body Retreat
Governing Body Retreat
May 7-8, 2021
City of
Fort Collins, CO
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, held a Governing Body Retreat on May
7th and 8th, 2021. The retreat was planned and facilitated by The Novak
Consulting Group, a part of Raftelis.
Day 1
Introductions & Expectations
The retreat began with the City Council and staff introducing themselves and then sharing their
expectations for the retreat:
My expectations are to build relationships and to have a stronger relationship between staff and
elected officials, and to think big.
Same!
I’d like to get to know each other better,
which will be essential to being a cohesive
working team, and I’m excited to see what
our priorities will be.
I want us to be open with each other.
I’m looking forward to getting to know
Council a bit better, and seeing what the
vision for the future is.
Listen, share, and stay curious.
Want to come out of the retreat excited, and
I don’t want to be annoyed.
Excited to figure out how we’re going to
work together as a team.
I’m hopeful that we’ll get to know each other
and work together. I’m a planner – I love
having all of this laid out and I’m ready to
fill in the plan.
I’d like to build a foundation of trust – when
we vote separately, we’re voting to represent
our Districts, and I hope that we can respect
and appreciate that about each other.
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Governing Together
City Council was asked to explore a series of questions about what it means to govern together.
What does good governance look like to you?
How can the City Council contribute to our residents’ trust in City government?
What values are important to you in governing?
What is important to remember when your position is the prevailing decision, and what is
important to remember when your position is not the prevailing decision?
What type of relationship do you hope to have with your colleagues on the governing body?
What type of relationship do you hope to have with your appointed staff (City Manager, City
Attorney and Chief Judge)?
What do you hope this governing body will be known for?
Appointed staff were also asked to share their thoughts on the following questions:
What values guide your approach to leadership?
How can you contribute to residents’ trust in City government?
What does your staff look for from the governing body?
What type of relationship do you hope to have with the governing body?
The responses are captured on the following graphic map and have been transcribed within the following
table.
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Questions City Council Responses
What does good
governance look
like to you?
Good governance is transparent. Nothing is hidden from anyone, from Council or
staff. Information should be available to the public, but it’s finding a balance of being
able to communicate effectively while building trust.
Effective governance – we can’t just sit and talk. We need to create policy and make
the government work and support a liveable city
We need to be responsive to the needs of citizens (maybe not always their wants),
balanced (there are a lot of labels out there, and we should look to be moderate and
look for compromise), and we need to govern for the greater good, rather than for our
own personal preferences.
Trust, honesty, inclusivity in the sense that every voice should be heard and weigh
equally. We need to make sure that our government is accessible, and that our
processes are good.
Ethical, with integrity, open, responsive – government should be from the bottom up,
not the top down.
Good governance is when the needs of everyone are being met, and we have the
wisdom as an elected body to see the true needs of the community and align with the
values. Also, when the government is operating in the black.
Balancing the voices you’re hearing and making sure that we’re able to hear from a
variety of folks – really working for that accessibility.
How can the City
Council contribute
to our residents’
trust in City
government?
Transparency – we’ve gotten a lot of letters this week from from a group that thinks
that we’re not transparent, so I’ve been thinking a lot about how to build trust.
Make sure that we’re communicating well and actually being as transparent as we
think we are. Also, I think that we really need to listen to our constituents. Listen,
communicate, and respond appropriately. We have to say things in a way that
people can hear them.
Honesty, speaking plainly, being willing to have hard conversations. Ensure that
we’re listening and doing our due diligence. We also need to set appropriate
expectations – Council and the Mayor are not professional positions, and we all have
jobs and things going on in our lives. Character is also important while we’re in the
community; we need to abide by the rules that we set. Finally, temperance. We need
to be able to keep ourselves in check, respond appropriately, and be patient in
difficult situations.
Don’t give off the impression that we only meet with the rich and powerful; we need to
respond to specific requests (maybe not the hundreds of form letters) – the micro
reflects on the macro. If we can demonstrate good governance, that will go a long
way.
Listen to our constituents and keep our promises.
Be authentic, work to break down mistrust.
Authentic communication is very important. Even where there’s confidential
information, we should look for aspects that we can share, and communicating why
some things can’t be transparent. It’s really helpful when people aren’t happy with
what’s going on. When someone comes in and, right off the bat is difficult, they don’t
get to play. We’ll engage when people come in and act as decent human beings.
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Questions City Council Responses
What values are
important to you in
governing?
Honesty, integrity, being forthright
Appreciation for everyone’s roles – appreciate what everyone brings, who they’re
trying to represent, and trust each other. The collective vote is what matters, and we
can’t hold grudges. It’s not personal – the vote is the ultimate dispute resolution
mechanism. We can all think through things differently, and we’re all doing the best
we can to vote for our constituents.
Follow-through, fairness, clarity, authenticity, integrity. It’s okay if people change
their minds because of new information, but if I’m asked where I am at in a given
point in time, I’ll give an indication of where I’m standing.
Mutual respect – we’re all human beings, and the respect is crucial. We’re a council
of seven. I also value consistent messaging (from staff to us and from us to the
community), and we need to carry the same message, even when we’re voting
differently. I don’t want to find out along the way that I didn’t know things that other
Council members did.
Follow-through. We all make promises on the campaign, and showing up for those
promises is important. I also think that we have to be empathetic, but have
boundaries.
Honesty, and an attitude of life-long learning. We don’t know everything, and we
need to remember that.
Being gracious and kind. We can disagree and have disputes, but that’s what
underlies.
What is important to
remember when
your position is the
prevailing decision,
and what is
important to
remember when
your position is not
the prevailing
decision?
Respect everyone’s vote. The majority rules – that’s the system. It’s not a situation
for gloating, and it’s not a me vs. you issue. We’re all humans, we’ll make mistakes,
and we can always revisit.
Don’t gloat. When things are heated, sometimes it’s good to keep my distance.
Be humble – everyone will be on both sides
It’s not personal, and there’s no right or wrong
Don’t be boastful. I also think it’s important to not waste time; there have been times
where the minority has said the same things over and over and over, and we can’t do
that, especially where people haven’t reached out, where there isn’t new information
– it’s just not efficient.
Be gracious, be kind, and recognize the wisdom of the group. Trust the process,
trust the group.
Humility; disagree with issues and not people. We may disagree on how to do
things, but we all care, and we need to choose to believe the best.
Sometimes the minority folks are able to ask a lot of questions that help to make the
overall product better, because they’re raising appropriate issues.
People process issues differently, and it’s important to learn each other
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Questions City Council Responses
What type of
relationship do you
hope to have with
your colleagues on
the Governing
Body?
Civil, authentic, supportive, humor, honesty, clarity, direct, honest
Appreciate each others’ strengths and would like to have fun and have a sense of
humor
Respect. Council is like family. We didn’t choose each other, we can’t get rid of each
other, and we’re not going to get along all the time.
Trust and respect. I’m glad that we have fun – I love that we’re majority female, and I
hope that we can get along and give each other what we need.
I’d like to celebrate each others’ victories and be willing to notice when people do
good things
Grit and grace. We’re here to do a job, and that takes a lot of grit, but we also have
to extend grace as well.
I’m on “Team Kind” and recognizing what people bring and the cool things that
they’ve done. We can all give at different times and in different ways.
What type of
relationship do you
hope to have with
your appointed staff
(City Manager, City
Attorney and Chief
Judge)?
Civil, authentic, supportive, but I’m not here to make everyone else’s job easier, and I
recognize that that makes things challenging for both of us
Staff is less like family, because we can get rid of them, but I do think that respect is
critical
I’d like to have a closer relationship with some of the staff. Sometimes I feel too
removed, and we’ve hired so many cool people
Respect for what folks are doing and how well they’re doing it
I can’t tell you how cool it is to ask and question and have the answer in your inbox
the next day. I’ll rely heavily on your expertise, and I’m appreciative of the
responsiveness and thoroughness.
The professionalism – staff are the experts, we are in charge of being in touch with
our constituents. I trust you, I want to work with you, and I appreciate the work that
you do.
Of course, look to staff. Staff have expertise. But Council members have expertise
too, and Council represents the values of the community. It’s good to have the
Council initiatives, and it’s good for staff to implement. There is a right answer on
some issues.
Elected officials need to make it a safe space for staff to disagree with us, in cases
where they’ve been misunderstood or misquoted, or where there are areas that need
to be clarified
What do you hope
this governing body
will be known for?
Being forward thinking, awareness of innovative ideas
Getting sh** done – I think people want action
I’ve heard lately from others that this Council is actually doing things, rather than
studying them or evaluating them, and I want to keep things going
I want us to be effective and thinking about the future with every decision that we
make
This is simple in theory and complicated in practice: we need to move the City
forward. We made provisions for what the City needs, but we did the things that
keep Fort Collins unique.
Pragmatic Council, kind, thoughtful. Coming out of the pandemic, I’m really
concerned about connectivity (how we move around the city, how we connect with
each other – social and physical infrastructure)
Pass good stuff. I find that “no” is the most important word – stop the bad stuff,
improve bad stuff, and make sure to do no harm. I don’t regret a single “no” vote, but
it’s hard to back up the “yes” votes.
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Questions City Council Responses
What does it mean
to be elected by a
District to serve the
City?
I govern the same. I am what I am, and I have the authenticity thing down. I’m hired
for my work ethic, ability, honesty, and I can play well when it makes sense. If there
are district issues, I won’t hesitate to disagree with my district if they don’t have the
background or the history. I’ll use my judgement and communicate the rationale.
My district has a few things that set it apart, and I’m very in tune with those issues,
but there are other things that are more universal. Clean air, growth, development –
City-wide, I try to be in tune with the whole city.
It’s hard to know what the majority of your district wants. The voices you tend to hear
are the ones who are the loudest and the most privileged. I think back to the
campaign a lot – what values and what lens did I present that people responded to?
People were willing to place their trust in my judgement.
All our districts are unique, but I’ve experienced a lot of the issues that folks in my
district cares about. I won by 40 votes, and it was so close! It only makes sense for
my district though. We’re moderate, established, and a lot of the things that are
controversial don’t affect us very much.
I won by 10%, and my district is conservative, but I’m not. There are some things
that everyone wants – affordable housing, open space – just not necessarily in their
backyard. In some cases, our values collide.
I take this very seriously, and I weigh what I think about against how my district thinks
about things. I really have an emotional connection to my district, and I’m very
committed to both the district and the City.
As mayor, I’m one of seven. No special powers, but there will be some votes that I’ll
take as mayor that as a member of District 6, I might vote differently on. I’ll vote my
conscience first, but people shouldn’t be expected to know everything all the time. If
I’m in a quandary, I’ll reach out to my constituents. We don’t poll, but we can call
groups and channel the voices of their members. I’m very eager to make sure that
those voices that don’t traditionally have access to government have access.
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– Questions Appointed Staff Responses
What values guide
your approach to
leadership?
Council is the Board of Directors – you set the vision and align the resources, and we
execute. We take the advisory role very seriously, we’re not seeking average, and
we don’t have a community that seeks average. I’m here because I want to be here
and you want me to be here. We need to be accountable and take seriously the
fees, taxes, fines, rates that people pay, and we want to be efficient with our
activities. We’re the fourth largest business in town, and we take that seriously – we
want to lead and show what’s possible. Fair, trustworthy, reliable. I don’t believe that
staff should be advocates, but we want to be thought of as reliable advisors.
Integrity, consistency, impartiality, balance – we balance accountability, empathy,
rehabilitation, consequences, etc., but also balance for staff. Commitment to the law,
individual rights, to self for reflection and honesty, and commitment to the community
as we work to create something good.
The law and the legal context is an important starting point. Another primary value is
service to the community and the organization. We get asked if there are strategic
objectives for the City Attorney’s Office, but we really support everything.
Responsibility, as we have an obligation to not gloss over issues and to inform and
educate. Professionalism, collaboration to ensure effectiveness, candor, and
humanity (how we deal with people, how we think of the work we’re doing, and have
a level of awareness).
How can you
contribute to
residents’ trust in
City government?
Transparency, being fair, being open and accessible, respect, and competence. We
can really delight people when we’re responsive, as it can be surprising for some
folks. Government speak can be a real turn-off, so we need to communicate really
clearly. We also want to delight our residents with world class customer service.
The Court is often the contact that the public has with the city, so treating everyone
with dignity and respect. We communicate clearly, commit to a just, fair, and
equitable Court with understandable processes.
A lot of what we’ve discussed applies to us. On some level, we’re sometimes viewed
as a barrier to transparency, so the more we can be conscious of that and be aware
of where that doesn’t need to be a factor. We can do a better job translating, and
providing language that is more accessible and makes for a more meaningful
conversation.
What type of
relationship do you
hope to have with
the governing
body?
Independence is important, but I see a shared vision. The Council can empower me
to make the Court better, and I want to see us building trust and communicating. I
want to give Council good information to show how I’m using the authority they’ve
given me.
Mutual respect, appreciation (we’re sometimes the hidden machine behind the
screen and feel unnoticed), clear expectation, attentiveness, thoughtful about the
information that we provide and the form that it comes to you in. Candor and
openness.
Important for the Council to be crystal clear in its vision. The clearer you can be, the
better we’ll be able to deliver. For me, I’d say that reliability is really important.
Trustworthiness works both ways. I know that in some cases Council can work on
making a point, but will use staff to do it. Triangulation doesn’t work, and I don’t want
to be dragged in to the parts that we’re not experts at. I don’t view this as an us vs.
them situation. Staff have opinions, but I want us to be objective and really identify
the (few) areas where we are acting as advocates. We’re eager to serve and to align
with you, but the vision is yours.
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True Today, True in Ten Years
The City Council was asked to share their responses to two questions:
What is true about Fort Collins today that you hope will still be true in ten years?
What is not true about Fort Collins today that you hope will be true in ten years?
Responses were captured in the following table, as well as the subsequent graphic map.
True Today – still true in Ten Years Not True today – hope it will be true in Ten
years
I love Fort Collins
Friendly, open, and tolerant
Big small town
A distinct downtown, not just stripmalls
Lots of trees
Good schools, safe neighborhoods
Up-to-date infrastructure
Healthy
Small business innovation
Unique businesses
Abundant open spaces and parks
Open space, trails, the foothills
A leader in environmental innovation
Safe place for families
Best air quality on the front range
Transit that is accessible, safe, and
convenient
People who work here can afford to live here
Business community is recovered and better
Infrastructure is improved and we’re ahead of
it
Fully accessible, connected public transit
Bike friendly in a big way, with safe routes to
schools
Housing inclusion
Equal opportunity to housing
Livable wage jobs
Equal opportunities to jobs
I can get everything I need on my bike or via
bus
North half of the City is connected to the rest
of the City
More women-owned and Latinx businesses
Equal access to the opportunity to thrive
Rail up and down the front range
Clean air
Bikes
The results of the “True Today – True in Ten Years” exercise were used to confirm Fort Collins’ seven
outcome areas (a visual capture of the outcome areas is presented in Appendix A):
Safe Community
Transportation and Mobility
High Performing Government
Environmental Health
Economic Health
Culture and Recreation
Neighborhood Livability and Social Health
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Parting Thoughts
Participants were asked to reflect on the first day of the retreat and share their parting thoughts.
This makes me remember to believe all things
are possible, and why I do this work.
I think this is a great start and I feel good
camaraderie.
I’m tired, but I feel similarly. I’m a little
nervous about tomorrow.
Comfortable. The dynamic in the room is
comfortable and people have shared their
thoughts.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know folks a little better,
and I’m excited about the direction we’re all
going to go.
I feel positive, and it’s nice to know that
everyone is a person. It’s nice to learn more,
and I’m curious to see what happens tomorrow.
I like the honest, direct statements. Today has
been very revealing, and I feel like there’s a
good level of comfort and trust.
The more face time we can get, the more fun and less stressful other times will be.
I’m really encouraged – we have a great team and the help of a great facilitator.
It’s great that we can laugh together, work together, take our votes and move on.
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Day Two
Initial Thoughts
New participants were asked to share their expectations for the day, and Day One participants were
asked to consider the activities of the first day and share their reactions and reflections.
Executive Leadership Team
Understand expectations of Council and community,
and be a part of the organization
Be a rabble rouser; challenge thinking
Support Council and have a loving engagement
Looking forward to getting to know new Council
members
Figuring out how we can work together
Interesting conversation and clarity on future direction
Excited to work with the new Council and am excited
to have new priorities
Excited to hear what’s important to Council
Hear expectations, think about the 24/7/365 activities
Share what we do and see how it fits in
Listening and orienting to the new Council
Excited to hear the plan for the next two years
working together
Looking forward to insights about what’s important to
you as a Council
Plus/Delta for Day Two
I think it was great to get to know each other
Excited to have the opportunity to have everyone in the
same room and have everyone as part of the conversation
Last night set the stage for today. I was first elected 38
years ago, and I’m excited today as I was on the first day.
16 years as City Manager, and I have as much
enthusiasm as I ever have. I still get goosebumps about
the work, and I love the juxtaposition of the new and the
experience.
Appreciate everyone’s time and the effort to do this
together, and I’m excited. It’s a strange feeling to be
sitting here as Mayor – I’m thrilled for the work ahead of
us.
Last night was extremely helpful, as I didn’t know
anyone. It’s great to see everyone’s mindset.
Last night was a great start, and I feel like this is a bit like Christmas morning. I’m excited to see
what we’re going to give to Fort Collins.
I felt woefully unprepared two years ago, and I’m super excited to see what priorities we share
and what new and innovative ideas arise
Nice kickoff, want to explore these ideas further.
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Organizational Update
The City Manager and staff provided an overview of what the organization has been focused on and its
accomplishments relative to the previous City Council’s priorities. The City Manager also provided an
overview of how strategic planning and Council priorities fit into the City’s other planning activities, as
shown below.
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Council Priorities
Council Members were first asked to determine whether each of the existing Council priorities should be
kept as current priorities, delayed, or considered finished. Council confirmed that each of the existing
priorities were current and should be continued.
Council Members were then asked to provide their individual priorities for the next two years. Those
priorities were organized into each of the seven strategic objectives. To provide further direction to staff,
Council priorities were subsequently evaluated by staff to determine whether the proposed activity is
new, a quick win, already underway, or captured on an existing workplan, as shown in the tables below.
Strategic
Outcome New Initiative
Safe Community
Safe community for all
Park safety (parking lot barriers at night)
Homelessness - increase "outreach" of Outreach Fort Collins to mid-town and north
businesses
Mental health responders
Positive relationship between City of Fort Collins and FCCP (How can we support the
police, how can we best vet our officers, how can we expand or improve MHRT, how do
we adjust to keeping schools safe if SROs are removed, how can we improve relations
between citizens and FCPD?)
More stringent penalties for animal cruelty and neglect
Transportation and
Mobility
Join bus forces with PSD
Amtrak
One hour to get anywhere via bus
Free bus service for all
High Performing
Government
Regionalism - collaboration regionally while maintaining the unique character of FOCO
(transportation, water, air quality)
Prioritizing maintenance and operations (don't forget the nuts and bolts and don’t pass
costs on to our children)
Ethics reform: revisit the definition of conflict of interest regarding Council participation
Look into changing the April election to November with School Board years to have all
local elections at once
Work/life balance considerations
Ranked choice voting
Holistic processes
Environmental
Health
White roof program
Green electrification of homes
Assist with the creation of Wildlife Rehab Center
Kill NISP
End new drive-thrus
Become a bird certified city
Help bird species recover
Accelerate composting (municipal)
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Strategic
Outcome New Initiative
Composting - Curbside and business
Food waste elimination campaign
Work with the national 30/30 program
Incorporate irrigation ditches as part of wildlife habitat fabric
Leave no trace campaign
Adopt grey water statute to allow grey water systems in new buildings
Districted system for garbage, recycling and compost
End idling
Economic Health
Raise the minimum wage
Close the digital divide
Rebuild women's economic power
Circular economy plan - incorporate Austin Tech incubator as a model
Stop the transfer of tax dollars to developers and corporate interests
Incorporate homeowner incentives in permitting and ensure all contractors are permitting
Partner with PSD for workforce development Power House/Futures Lab
Education to employment pipeline
Culture and
Recreation
Animal health (creative thinking around dogs and cats)
Access funding for parks (maintenance and operations, refresh, and new parks)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Improved tree policies
Tree planting subsidy
Toddler park/ park for children with disabilities
Land acknowledgement statement
Neighborhood
Livability and
Social Health
Rebuilding communities (15 minute communities, intentional community)
Create more intergenerational opportunities
Planning Department reboot
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Initiative Type Council Priority
Quick Wins
Add City holidays - Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, others? (election day?)
COVID vaccine incentive programs for City staff
Refer to climate change as a climate emergency
Pink tax
Already Doing
Improved and accelerated stream (riparian) restoration
(New and existing) Stormwater detention improvements (design)
Effective soil amendment policies and compliance (water usage)
Juvenile diversion
Develop a policy for when police recordings are released
Cyber security review
Part of an Existing
Workplan
Money to safe roads
Police racing cars/motorcycles – better enforcement
Bike routes, paths, and safe routes to schools
Improved traffic compliance
Increased hiring of women and minority personnel
Improve road signage for commuter cyclists (safer roads, wider bike lanes)
Bike trail connectivity
Focus on connectivity to the north part of the City
Improve transportation by connecting, expanding, and planning for future growth (better
connection, service to all neighborhoods, encourage use of public transportation,
provide for future service)
Adopt 1041 Powers
Solar - Increase rebates, performance rebates, education, electrification of government
buildings and businesses (consider roof setbacks, 120% rule, revamping the Epic
Loan)
Provide initiatives to install solar - residential
Make real progress on the road to Zero Waste (multi-family, construction waste, etc.)
Xeriscape - increase rebates and education, less green lawns with new development
Protect Hughes Site as public open space
Enhanced recycling education
Create a targeted, specific plan for business recovery (fully open businesses, take
targeted approach, examine policies to ensure that the City stays out of the way and
does no harm, remedy for workforce shortage due to gov't assistance, not adopt a
minimum wage, continue public vs. private collaboration, explore reducing taxes,
licenses, fees, etc.
Promote women- and minority-owned businesses
Painted streets
Expand and provide cell service to all parts of the City (lagging behind in Registry
Ridge and South, public safety issue for first responders, businesses not able to work
remotely, hurts property values, recommend a study on the coverage area, make a
priority by tying leases to coverage)
Reevaluate land use code and revamp to adjust to emerging needs (U+2 ordinance,
AD, consistent enforcement)
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Outcome Area Previous Council Priority New Council Priority/ Related
Initiative
High Performing Government Reimagine Community Engagement
Improve communication and
transparency to the public
Civic Engagement
Environmental Health
Protect and Enhance Instream
River Flows
Protect the Poudre River from
impacts of flow diversion
Reduce Plastic Pollution Rebate program for washing
machine microfibers
Mitigate Impacts of Oil and Gas
Encroachment into Growth
Management Area
Continue to mitigate the impacts of
gas and oil
Improve air quality Real air quality improvements
Economic Health Affordable and Accessible Childcare
Workforce development/retention -
childcare that is affordable, quality,
and accessible
Childcare as infrastructure
Affordable childcare for City
employees
Neighborhood Livability and
Social Health
Mobile home park preservation and
resident protections
Mobile home parks - local
enforcement and resident-owned
community process
Affordable and Achievable Housing
Strategies
Rental registry/licensing
Increase affordable senior housing
Affordable housing funding
ADUs and tiny houses
The City Council will reconvene in approximately sixty days to revisit its priorities. In the meantime,
staff will generate information related to each of the new initiatives, as well as provide updates on the
initiatives that are already underway or part of an existing workplan.
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Committee and Liaison Assignments
The following Council assignments were made. Where applicable, alternates are noted in parentheses.
Boards and Commissions
Affordable Housing Board - Emily
Air Quality Advisory Board –Susan
Art in Public Places Board – Tricia
Building Review Commission (Building Review Board) - Shirley
Citizen Review Board – Julie
Disability Advisory Board (Commission on Disability) - Mayor
Human Services and Housing Fund Board (Community Development Block Grant Commission)
- Tricia
Cultural Resources Board - Susan
Economic Advisory Board (Economic Advisory Commission) – Shirley
Energy Board –Tricia
Retirement Committee (GERP) - Kelly
Golf Board - Mayor
Human Relations Commission - Emily
Land Conservation Stewardship Board – Kelly
Historic Preservation Commission (Landmark Preservation Commission) - Susan
Natural Resources Advisory Board - Julie
Parking Advisory Board - Julie
Parks and Recreation Board - Mayor
Planning and Zoning Commission (Planning and Zoning Board) – Emily
Senior Advisory Board - Susan
Transportation Board – Emily
Water Commission (Water Board) - Mayor
Women’s Advisory Board (Women’s Commission) - Julie
Youth Advisory Board - Emily
Land Use Review Commission (Zoning Board of Appeals) – Shirley
Council Committee Assignments
Ad Hoc Housing Committee
Ad Hoc Community Impact Committee
Ad Hoc Direct Reports Compensation Committee
Downtown Development Authority - Susan
Election Code Committee – Mayor, Tricia, Kelly (Julie)
Ethics Review Board – Susan, Mayor, Julie, (Tricia)
Finance Committee – Emily, Kelly, Julie, (Shirley)
Futures Committee – Mayor, Emily, Susan, (Tricia)
Legislative Review Committee – Shirley, Mayor, Tricia (Susan)
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Other Organizations
Boxelder Basin Regional Stormwater Authority – Julie, Emily
City/Colorado State University Leadership Committee (previously the City/CSU Liaison
Committee) – DISSOLVE
Colorado Municipal League (CML) Policy Committee – Tricia, Shirley
Disaster Council - Mayor
Forfeited Property Disposition Committee - Mayor
Housing Catalyst(Authority) - Emily
Larimer County Behavioral Health Policy Council – Susan (Emily)
Library Trustee Selection Committee – Julie, Emily
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Council – Mayor, Tricia
North Front Range Wasteshed Policy Group – Kelly, Susan
North I-25 Coalition - Mayor
North I-25 Coalition working group: I-25 Funding Committee - Mayor
Northern Colorado Airport Commission – Mayor, Darin
Northern Colorado Airport Selection Committee – Julie, Mayor
Platte River Power Authority (Mayor or designee) – Julie, Darin
Poudre Fire Authority Board of Directors – Emily, Susan
Poudre Heritage Alliance - Julie
Poudre School District/City/County Liaison – Susan, Emily
Committee Regional Transportation Coordination Task Force Policy Advisory Committee -
Mayor
Regional Water Collaboration Steering Committee – Kelly, Shirley
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Contributing to the Outcomes
The retreat concluded by asking each Council member to share how their personal gifts can contribute to
the work the Council has decided it wants to accomplish together.
Mayor: I’m an extrovert. I was
in the Peace Corps, and we moved
to Mozambique for six years when
it was the poorest country in the
world. I’m exceptionally calm, and
the calm scary voice is pretty much
as bad as it gets. I have a lot of
patience, and things generally work
themselves out. There will
obviously be areas of concern; and
I’ll speak out when I need to. I
don’t anticipate being an
interventionist, and I’m one of
seven. I think about things, I hear
them, and I assume that things will
work out. I’m grateful that we live
in a safe, clean environment, and
I’m an incurable optimist.
Susan: I bring a lot of lived experience that I can fall back on – if you’ve been around long
enough, you’ll see it come back around. There’s a recognition that some “innovative” things are
just remakes in better forms. I think of myself as a life-long learner. I enjoy working with people,
I enjoy being on Council. In terms of style, I take in a lot of information before I speak. I don’t
want to be thought of as not knowing what’s going on because I’m slower to speak up.
Shirley: Mom of four, I bring everything to the table. I try really hard to be consistent, and I’m
persistent. I have a servant heart and I like to help people. I like things organized and logical,
and I’m a good listener.
Julie: I’m pragmatic and logical. I prefer to break problems down into their individual parts. I
have a master’s and am currently pursuing a master’s in public policy. I tend to be quiet, and I
don’t like to repeat what others say, because of my love of efficiency. I don’t like to fill empty
space with words, and will try not to do that.
Tricia: 12 schools before graduating high school; tend to be a bit of a risk taker. I was an
entrepreneur – started a subscription business fifteen years before it was a thing. Made it most of
the way through a PhD program, and have had a lot of different life experiences that can
contribute to how I view things as a Council member.
Emily: First millennial to be elected to Council. Harder to keep the same quality of life. Very
values driven, background in public health. I try to make sure that the things I talked about on
the campaign trail are the things that I want to focus on. I am an introvert, this can be
overwhelming, but Council stretches us in in good ways.
Kelly: Did international politics, then national politics, then the highest form – local government.
I try to go beyond the packet and bring information to Council that will be helpful. I consider
myself an impact player, and I think that there’s a good chance that this Council might have the
most positive impact with the least drama over the last 46-47 years. It won’t always be easy, but
we’re going to do more than fine.
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Governing Body Retreat
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Day Two – Parting Thoughts
Participants were asked to reflect on the retreat and share their parting thoughts.
Inspired and optimistic
Shared love of community and purpose
Insightful
Enjoyed the opportunity – very good day
Excited to work with the new Council –
blue skies ahead
Ready to go
Inspired
Thankful to meet everyone
Appreciative
Love hearing the why and the thinking
behind the priorities – Engaged
Appreciative of the need to pay attention
to core functions – this is a really cool
Council
Great conversation
I didn’t really have expectations, but I
had a lot of hope. I’m feeling really
optimistic about the Council and the folks in the room
I think the last few days have really demonstrated that we can work well together and do great
things
I’m not annoyed at all, and I’m glad that we get to work together more. I’m thrilled and excited.
I’m feeling motivated and energized, plus ambitious.
There’s a lot of commitment, and watching everyone navigate this process, I think we’ll get to a
place of satisfaction, and I’m encouraged.
I’m really grateful to see the really positive dynamic between council members. It was evident in
the preparation that you did
Let’s get to it
The preparation was obvious, and we did the prethinking that we needed to. The facilitation was
excellent, but we went through some fairly contentious exercises that went very smoothly. We
were all very gracious.
Thank you to everyone.
I’m feeling very motivated. The Council wants to be intentional, and I love that.
I’m excited that we’re taking the low-to-no drama approach to government, we had some fun,
and I’m appreciative that everyone took the time to participate today. I hope that the way we
worked together today is how we work together from here on. We’re in for two good years.
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