HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 5/26/2015 - Information From Darin Atteberry Re: City Council Retreat Report - May 20151
Sarah Kane
From: Amanda Crane on behalf of Darin Atteberry
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 9:40 AM
To: CCSL
Cc: Sarah Kane
Subject: Council Retreat Report
Attachments: Final 2015 FC Council Retreat Report.docx
Mayor and Council,
Attached for your information is Julia’s report form our retreat on Saturday and Sunday. I think you’ll find it very
comprehensive.
Wow…we covered a lot of ground. Nice work to all. I’ll be back in touch shortly regarding next steps.
Darin
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
City Council Retreat
May 2015
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
1 | P a g e
The Fort Collins City Council met on May 16 and 17, 2015 to conduct a planning retreat. The purpose of
the retreat was:
Set the stage for productive governance
Develop a workplan for Council priorities for the next 12 to 24 months to guide the City
organization
On May 16, the meeting was attended by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, City Councilmembers, Municipal
Judge, City Attorney and City Manager. The retreat was facilitated by The Novak Consulting Group.
The group committed to the following ground rules during the retreat:
Listen with respect
Let others finish before you start talking
Be attentive to the speaker
Disagree agreeably
Be:
BOLD
positive and realistic
candid and honest
patient and respectful
engaged and fully present
Strive for consensus
Look for opportunities to agree
Remember the power of “if” and “and”
Have fun!
Retreat Expectations
At the beginning of the retreat each person had a chance to share their expectations for the retreat.
Consensus workplan
Openness, candidness with honesty
Alignment with new Councilmembers and/or identifying where we may digress
See the new team coalesce and figure out new processes to agree and disagree
Sense of priorities and themes
Focus on a few thing with a sense of doing
Clarity around expectations, anything we can stop doing?
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
2 | P a g e
Governing Together
The Mayor and City Council then engaged in a conversation stimulated by the following questions:
What does good governance look like to you?
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 Council?
What type of relationship do you hope to have with the City Administration?
What do you hope this City Council will be known for?
o Where we actually accomplish something – there is deliverable and achievement; we have the
luxury of getting a lot done; making progress.
o It’s about accomplishing those things that meet the needs of our constituents – that’s why we
are here – to serve the constituency.
o Confidence in the community – that we are representing their best interests in our deliberations
and our decisions.
o Good is a value – it’s about liking the governance you see – bad governance could be done with
values I like but the outcome I could disagree with. You can’t see it, you can’t determine it for
others – there is no objective criteria for good governance because it is a value.
o True! But we should still try to achieve good governance.
o If people don’t like decisions and we have petitions every month then we are not governing
well.
o Some of that ties back to confidence that Wade talked about – if we have a 4-3 vote, then there
is less confidence in the judgment; people decide who they will vote for then – out of sight out
of mind – but if they see 4-3 votes I think they engage more.
o Due Process is governance, not outcomes – to me citizens look for a fair process and things are
dealt with fairly – that is the basis of our country.
o Relationships mentioned in the literature provided as being a factor in effectiveness.
o To me – transparency, openness, honesty – a process that yields good results.
o City Council talks a lot about policy – but good governance also applies something about
operations – efficiency, reliability, things people don’t think about! Are the pipes being
replaced, are the police being trained; the most frequent interaction people have in FC is when
they turn the light switch on.
o Informed conscious decision-making.
o Relationships – the community, each other, how the Mayor runs the meeting, what he allows
and doesn’t allow; respect to the community and from the community – discussing issues
without personal attacks. There needs to be respect both ways – this is incumbent upon the
Mayor in how he runs the meetings; and us being honest in our relationships and how we treat
staff! How we email, talk to staff and the way staff makes presentations, etc. Sometimes it
feels like we are setting staff up to trip, don’t like that feeling.
o Important decisions – it is important to hear from one another on how we got to yes and how
we got to no – it helps me and it helps staff understand where we are focused and what it
means, etc. We can’t expect staff to second guess, we need to share our philosophical opinions
– can’t just say “no”.
o Why you are making the vote – it’s important to say why “yes” and why “no”.
o Good process.
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
3 | P a g e
o Respect – people in the public have a lot of dissatisfaction with government in general – when
there isn’t respect that breeds dissatisfaction. People out talk each other – a lot of people
aren’t engaged at all. Good governance is getting the public engaged in the process as we are.
We hear from a handful of people a lot – and most people not at all. Bickering turns people off
and discourages them from participating. We need to model this type of respect!
o Big turnout doesn’t equal good governance or a better decision; it doesn’t ensure a better
outcome. Representative form of government – ideas are good, more doesn’t equal better,
interesting but not necessarily relevant.
o Active listening – there are different roles we take and play – hearing one another, engaging is
really important. Our representative role is also important.
o Good to hear from a lot of people in different ways – not just about people coming to public
comment; exposure to those viewpoints are important. Ultimately we have to make a decision
but that we heard those viewpoints is important.
o One of the things I appreciate about Council is we have 7 perspectives and 7 different
experiences – that helps us provide good governance. We all have some special expertise to
bring. If we listen we should be hearing the same things – the districts aren’t that different.
Sometimes there are distinctions, but generally people want the same things. Would like us to
bring the wisdom we have, then go out and get informed and bring that to make the decision –
make sure we don’t just represent the loud voice. We can’t govern for the loud voice.
o There are people who are poor and can’t get there – some don’t want to get engaged, but they
want to trust us.
o Respect is about esteem – they have something really special – that would be hard to do.
o Respect is built based on trust and interactions with perceived fairness. That is not given it is
earned.
o Where do you begin? Do we start with an A? But we are not at the first day of class.
o Maybe Council shouldn’t engage in campaigns so we don’t team up against each other
o Articulating our values allows us to hold one another accountable – translates to
interactions with staff and the public.
o Respect starts with us, then our interaction with City staff and citizens as a whole.
o Each person brings something to the game – so each person should have their own voice.
Respect is acknowledging the voice they bring to the deliberation. Wherever you fall –
explain your voice.
After the conversation on governing, the Council debriefed the recent election and how active
participation by sitting Councilmembers in the election process has impacted working relationships
moving forward.
How do we move beyond the election?
We need to decide how we will work together
Ultimately appreciate and respect the decisions of the voters and will work with the colleagues
the public has selected
Can’t continue with the “game of politics” and do a good job
The consequences of politics continuing need to be thought through
Council needs to be restorative and there is a need for reconciliation
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
4 | P a g e
Procedural Review
Council Meetings – discuss formality/informality and understand how the style of a new Mayor will
translate to meetings.
o Regular business meetings the Mayor will work to use titles and more formalities
o Worksessions will be less formal
Worksessions – what about our worksession format is working well? What adjustments should we
consider to make the process more effective?
o Encourage Council dialogue
o Be clear what the meeting is about
o Staff takes a lot of notes – remember do not spend time on something only one person is
interested in
o City Manager needs to summarize next steps at the end of the meeting so direction is clear
and staff follow-up next steps are clear
o It is okay to call in to worksessions if out of town
Planning Calendar – the staff maintains a planning calendar that includes a tentative schedule for
when items will be presented for worksessions and City Council meetings. We will review this
existing calendar.
o Items from the retreat will be plotted over a two year period then put on the 6 month
planning calendar as worksessions are scheduled
o Process improvements to the planning calendar, accessibility and information on the web is
appreciated
Rule of Three – Discuss the current practice of making requests of the City Manager and make
adjustments as appropriate.
o The City Attorney explained the 2003 Resolution which formulated what is now known as
the Rule of 3
o Council requested that this item be reviewed and clarified/modified so that direction can
only be given at formal business meetings of the governing body
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
5 | P a g e
Governing Expectations
What do you expect from your
colleagues on the Council?
What additional expectations do
you have for the Mayor?
What expectations do we have for
the staff?
Meet 1-1 with each other
When a decision is made – it
is done
Try not to ascribe motive to
behaviors
Share the “why” behind your
vote
No second guessing –
assume everyone reaches an
informed conclusion
Don’t triangulate through
staff
Support one another when a
factual matter is questioned
Support staff when/if
impugned by public
No badgering one another or
staff
Avoid “gotchas” – staff and
one another
Ask questions in advance
Be present and engaged in
the meeting
Read the materials in
advance – PREPARE
Don’t rush the development
of policy language – wait
until next meeting, Mayor
will not entertain this
Don’t disrespect the public
and each other
Offer amendments if it will
get us to yes!
Take lead on things we are
passionate about as long as
staff time is not impacted
outside our normal process
Appreciation expressed for
Wade’s style and how he has
led meetings to-date
Meet with each member of
Council monthly – work with
our individual needs and
styles
Provide Councilmembers
equal time
Clarify and limit “comments”
during question
o Questions
o Motion
o Comments
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
6 | P a g e
On Sunday, May 17, the Executive Lead Team for the City joined the retreat. The Mayor provided a
recap of what was accomplished on Saturday evening to help the ELT enter the conversation.
Check in/Agenda Review
Those who were present on Saturday evening reflected on the discussion and offered the following
input.
What went well… What could have been better…
Honesty and candidness
Validated our norms and operating principles
Appreciated input of new Councilmembers
Hearing expectations
Good to come together and discuss the issues
Candor is healthy
Good to hear from Kristen
Frank discussion
Round tables
Saturday/Sunday schedule
Needed more time
Confusion on end time
The ELT was invited to share their expectations for the retreat:
Alignment and prioritization
Openness to partnerships
Prioritization
Get on same team – see us as partners – Council and staff working together – staff is not the
enemy
External partnerships are helpful to public safety in serving the community
Clarity of Council objectives
Clarity of expectations – what does successful staff work look like
Strategic Planning for Utility Services – want to share things and align with Council on our
operations
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
7 | P a g e
Strengthening the Council/Staff Partnership
Discuss how to best support the City Council in the process of governing and how best to
provide input and questions to staff?
o What is helpful to Council in terms of presentations, staff reports?
o What staff finds helpful in terms of receiving input and questions, etc.?
What does Council expect from and need from
Staff?
What does staff expect from and need from
Council?
Genuine follow-up on matters of inquiry
SAR guidelines
o Ask for clarification from Council if
needed
o Prepare an FAQ with standard
responses for Council to use
o Put “Hot Topics” Q&A on website
o Show us how to search the database
of prior SARs
Don’t read P*P presentations
Provide materials in a timely manner (don’t
wait ‘til Tuesday)
Highlight changes to presentations and
ordinances
Ask us questions – engage in the iterative
process at worksessions and via SARs
Anticipate questions – generate discussion
questions
Presentations – don’t read the slides, tell us
what is in between the lines!
No video tape before meetings (that’s not the
“more” we want) Looking for broader
engagement
Stay present during worksessions – no leaving
for sidebars
Be prepared for hard questions – public
expects that from Council
Give me bottom line at beginning then I can
read through the report
CM Monthly report – excellent snapshot,
thank you
Simplicity is Transparency
Know what the media is saying about the City
(coming soon Media Tracking Services)
We don’t need the index in the packet
Don’t call Council to remind us of
appointments with Darin
Stop saying “Council directed…”
Use planning calendar to let staff know in
advance what questions you want addressed
during the worksession
Civility matters to us in how we are dealt with
ELT engaged in worksessions – executive
presence is important
Remember…staff views you with respect –
presentations can be intimidating
Give us a heads up on questions
Give us an opportunity to develop staff
SARs – more detail the better – be clear in
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
8 | P a g e
What does Council expect from and need from
Staff?
What does staff expect from and need from
Council?
Recommendation – could be we need to do
more outreach – doesn’t have to be the final
“recommendation” – recognize where we are
in the process
Use Public Engagement Plans to ensure we
don’t miss key stakeholders or policy issues
that need outreach – ALL policy issues in the
future will have a PEP
Inspire alignment throughout the organization
once Council and ELT have worked on
something
Recognize the fact that Council majority
accepts staff recommendations 80%+ of the
time – acknowledges we have a great team
and have confidence in you!
If SARs aren’t “answerable” – tell us!
Use domain expertise that exists within our
Boards and Commissions to formulate policy
guidance
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
9 | P a g e
Council Initiatives
Each Councilmember will be asked to discuss the most important policies and initiatives they
wish to pursue to further the City’s vision: To Provide World-Class Municipal Services through
Operational Excellence and a Culture of Innovation.
After the initial brainstorming the City Manager identified items that are already underway.
Those items are already on the City work plan and did not need to be prioritized again as part of
the work plan development. Those items are indicated in italics.
The City Manager then identified things that are “easy” to accomplish and not something the
Council needs to prioritize They are shown in bold below:
o Policy for use of excess USE tax at year end
o Add social sustainability as a key outcome area
o Innovation community
o Boxelder Stormwater District needs Council rep v. staff
o Expand IGA discussions to discuss use of Hughes (on follow-up list)
After expressing their priorities for the items left, the Council identified 16 items for the
workplan – they are shown in bold (#) with the number of “dots” the item received in
parenthesis.
Strategic Outcome Area Policy Project Adjustment
Economic Health
Policy for use of
excess Use Tax at
Year End – using for
true onetime
projects with no
ongoing O&M
Cost of Government
for people on fixed
incomes
Shared Revenue
with other
communities
IGA on community
separators
Regional Economic
Development
Partnerships
Revenue
diversification
(double digit
revenue source
other than Sales
Tax)
Sales Tax Recapture
Initiative (do we
work with retailers
to stay in FC) (4)
Trolley Barn Use
(Community
Marketplace)
City Foundation to
fund things outside
of the norm of the
General Fund (3)
Transportation
Parking Studies
(downtown and
neighborhood
parking)
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
10 | P a g e
Strategic Outcome Area Policy Project Adjustment
Transportation
Better Partnerships
for Transportation
(Connectors, Point
to point mass
transit, Parking
Sticker Fees)
Transportation
System Issues
(Trains and Airport)
Expand TRANSFORT
services across
Town and on
Sunday
Structures
I25 Widening
Funding –
mechanism to work
with other
jurisdictions (3)
Train Underpass –
emergency vehicle
access as a priority
and share train
schedules in real
time (3)
Special Transfort
Bus for Peak times
and Game Days
Work with CSU to
develop Park and
Ride
Safe Community
Regional Law
Enforcement
Initiatives
Public Safety by
Environmental
Design
Police Substation in
Campus West (4)
Intentionally noting
Silverado Trail for
breweries –
Wayfinding for MAX
Revise practice of
ticketing the
homeless
Increase Bike Patrol
Community and
Neighborhood Livability
Emphasis on Social
Issues in
Neighborhoods and
Community
Rental Licensing
(occupation tax) to
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
11 | P a g e
Strategic Outcome Area Policy Project Adjustment
Community and
Neighborhood Livability
Expand IGA
discussion to
discuss use of
Hughes Stadium
Housing
Affordability
(middle income
issues and
affordable housing
for lower income
and homeless) (4)
Gentrification
Protection Plan –
address and
prevent
displacement (3)
Culture and Recreation
Establish a Creative
District
Regional Dog Park
Initiative
Public, Private
Partnership to reset
activities related to
Streetmosphere
As our Parks build
out, transition from
building to
refreshing (3)
Environmental Health
Climate Action Plan
– ENERGY
Explore
development of a
Water Authority
Increase Carbon
Neutral
Development
Water Tap
Fees/Districts (3)
Wood burning in
yards and Gas
burning for Outdoor
Waste to Energy –
landfill and increase
recycling (4)
Water Storage –
Halligan
Climate Action Plan
related projects
(community
engagement, Pilots,
Climate-wise
funding)
Tree Preservation
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
12 | P a g e
Strategic Outcome Area Policy Project Adjustment
Environmental Health
Aesthetics
Council Oversight of
Natural Areas
Purchase
High Performing
Government
Add a Social
Sustainability Key
Outcome Area
(discuss at Futures
Committee)
What do we want
to be as a City in the
future (5)
Prepare for City Plan
2.0 in 2017 (ensure
broad community
engagement and
explore need for
midterm funding for
early engagement)
Asset Management
Inventory – share
issues with Council
Innovation
Community
Provide data-miners
to nonprofits to help
make better funding
decisions
Review Code –
refresh based on
Case Law
Broadband
Neighborhood
districts help
neighborhoods
create governance
Citizen Information
Access (SMART
CITIES) – beyond
Web and Access FC
– partner with
others to increase
information –
clarity, correctness
and accessibility;
create inventory of
prior studies (4)
Approach to
Community
Engagement – how
we address change
in neighborhoods
Participatory
Budgeting – voting
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
13 | P a g e
The Fort Collins Strategic Plan
Vision
To provide world-class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of
innovation.
Mission
Exceptional Service for an exceptional community.
Values
Outstanding Service
Innnovation & Creativity
Respect
Integrity
Initiative
Collaboration & Teamwork
Stewardship
Key Outcomes
Council identified 21 initiatives1 within the seven Key Outcome Areas to pursue as their Workplan in the
next two years.
Economic Health: Promote a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values.
Sales Tax Recapture Initiative
Policy for Use of Excess Use Tax at Year End
IGA on Community separators – Timnath
City Foundation to fund things outside the norm of the General Fund
Environmental Health: Promote, protect and enhance a healthy sustainable environment.
Air quality enforcement
Waste to Energy – landfill, increase recycling
Water Tap Fees/Districts
Boxelder Stormwater District needs Council vs. Staff appointment
Safe Commmunity: Provide a safe place to live, work, learn and play
Police substation in Campus West
Community Policing Approach – increase bike patrol as a primarry duty
Community & Neighobrhood Livability: Provide a high quality built environment and
support quality, diverse neighborhoods.
1 21 includes the 16 “new” items and the 5 additional items that can be accomplished with ease
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
14 | P a g e
Housing Affordability – middle income issues and affordable housing for low income/homeless
Rental Licensing (occupation tax) – generate revenue for You plus 2 and money for affordable
housing
Gentrification Protection Plan
Expand IGA discussion to discuss use of Hughes Stadium
Culture & Recreation: Provide diverse cultural and recreational amenities.
As parks build out – shift from building to refreshing
Transportation: Provide for safe & reliable multi-modal travel to, from and throughout the
City.
I25 widening funding – mechanism to work with other jurisdictions
Train underpass – emergency vehicle access as a priority – share time schedules in real time
High Performing Government: Deliver an efficient, innovative, transparent, effective and
collaborative city government.
What do we want the City to be in the future?
Citizen information access – SMART City, Index City studies
Add Social Sustainability as a Key Outcome Area
Innovation community
The Complete List
The following list includes those items not on the list of final priorities either because they were already
underway, are “easy” to do and will be handled administratively, or did not receive sufficient Council
support during the retreat to make the final list.
Items In Progress Items that can be accomplished
with “ease”
Items that did not receive
sufficient Council support to
move forward
Neighborhood Districts –
help neighborhoods create
governance
Climate Action Plan –
community engagement,
funding, pilots and climate-
wise funding
Council Oversight of Natural
Areas purchase
Water Storage – Halligen
Downtown Parking
Structures
Parking Studies – downtown
and neighborhood parking
Policy for use of excess Use
Tax at year end – true one-
time cost projects that don’t
increase Operating and
Maintenance costs
Add Social Sustainability as a
Key Outcome area (process
with Futures Committee)
Innovation Community
Boxelder Stormwater District
needs Council appointment
rather than staff member
Expand IGA discussion to
discuss the use of Hughes
Prepare for traffic calming
relative to stadium impacts
(2)
Cost of government for
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
15 | P a g e
Items In Progress Items that can be accomplished
with “ease”
Items that did not receive
sufficient Council support to
move forward
Approach to Community
Engagement – how we
address change in
neighborhoods
Establish a creative district
Regional economic
development partnership
Trolley Barn Use
(Community Marketplace)
Climate Action Plan – Energy
Special Transfort Bus for
Game Day
Revenue diversification –
double digit revenues from
something other than Sales
Tax
Shared revenue with other
communities (beyond
Windsor)
Regional Law Enforcement
Initiatives
Prepare for City Plan 2.0 in
2017 – ensure broad
community engagement –
midterm appropriation for
early engagement
Broadband
Stadium point mass transit,
connectors, etc. (2)
Revise practice of ticketing
the homeless (1)
Intentionally noting
Silverado Trail for breweries
– wayfinding to MAX (1)
Public Safety and Health
through Environmental
Design
Emphasis on Social issues in
neighborhoods and
community
Billboard Reduction Strategy
– digital billboards (1)
Regional Dog Park (1)
Public Private Partnership to
reset activities related to
Streetmosphere (1)
Tree Preservation and
Protection – City Trees (2)
Explore development of a
Water Authority (2)
Increase Carbon Neutral
Development (1)
Wood burning in yards and
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
16 | P a g e
Follow-up
Throughout the retreat a number of comments were made that are suggestions, etc. that require
follow-up. This list captures those items.
Let’s look at worksession structure to get more definitive outcomes
Look at planning calendar at end of worksession to pre-load upcoming discussions
Look at aligning CM Report with Key Outcomes and dashboard – mobile friendly
Don’t duplicate e-packet – and hard packet – can we customize?
Would use e-packet if I had more training on tools for flagging, finding items, etc.
Help us move towards e-packet use – learn from P&Z experience
Look at timing – when things go to Council and how
Do our templates “position“ staff to say “Council directed…” try “Council and staff met and this
is the way we agreed to move forward”
Look at resource requirements for public engagement
Develop FAQ on hot topics and standard responses to service requisitions/questions. Put Hot
Topics on Web
Identify ways to get Council to “tour” and discuss various work places and issues – learning
opportunities
District “field trips” for Council/ELT
Put IGA for use of Hughes on the list for CSU liaison meetings
Next Steps
Staff will prepare a resolution that identifies the items that will be on the Council 2015-2017 Workplan
and bring it forward for adoption.
Closing Comments
Feel pretty good – great conversations today – we came together rather than pushing apart.
Looking forward to working together the next two years
Great process – lots of good ideas, things I hadn’t thought about before – things to reflect
further, some things below the line may move up the line
Greg – appreciate the perspective of people in the room, lots of input, like the prioritization
Jeff – alignment and priorities – that’s what we did
Judge Lane – impressive, thank you for letting us be part of it
Ross – first goal was a consensus work plan, 90% of the way there
Kevin – Very pleased with the process – alignment, strategic planning and how it interrelates,
good discussion, clear where we need to focus in the future
Kristin – this was good experience for me – nice to get to know everybody – went well, there
was consensus, great time learned a lot
Kelly – really good dialogue – appreciated the interactive nature and the context of what is
important to Council, ended up with a great summary
Mike – applaud the continuous improvement that went on from two years ago – the process
improved dramatically to narrow and focus – feel better equipped
May 18, 2015 CITY OF FORT COLLINS COUNCIL RETREAT
17 | P a g e
Karen – the context is really helpful – even the things on the lower third, it’s not that they won’t
ever happen, some are part of things and we can take that philosophy and put it towards other
initiatives
Laurie – appreciate everyone’s thoughts and ideas – good to understand what people are
thinking as you start a new position – strategizing about the things on the bottom third – we are
better able to do that for hearing this
Gerry – I hope that when staff is working on capital implementation that they look at several of
the items on the bottom third of the board and consider them in the future
Ray – Thought this was good – and the discussion was good – like a little bit more levity vs. last
night was tense – which was helpful – needed that too. It’s all been good. Ask myself the
question – it makes me think, when I was a cop on the street I would frequently walk by a blind
person who I didn’t know how to approach, so I sat by him and he said “how do you do Officer”
and I wondered how he knew I was a cop! So I asked, he said – even a blind man can see…what
does he see, that we don’t? What does the public see that we don’t? Hope we can capture that
and when we do our work that we can do it through the eyes of what the public sees and what
they want from us. Mercedes Benz Vision is to be heard, understood and to be delighted. Do
we hear? Do we understand? Are we delighting? Important balancing act – let’s be honest, have
frank discussions – help me understand how you get to yes and no so we all understand.
Wendy – productive day, good process and good outcome! Appreciate the clarity, enjoyed the
discussion
Carrie – Really interesting to understand the thought behind the policy. Can’t wait to see it on
one sheet
Darin – Clarity, prioritization is what I wanted and we got it! Team does matter – Council team,
Staff team and Council-Staff team. I think the public is well-served by people around this room.
People love this place, they care. I like that.
Wade –Thank everybody for spending Saturday night and Sunday with us – that’s a big
commitment, it’s appreciated. Want to thank everyone for the contributions that you made.
You’ve come with the intention to make a contribution to the dialogue and we have worked
through some things – it’s appreciated. We have the opportunity to be a high performing
Council and work for better outcomes for our community. That’s what excites me the most!
What we did today is really important. I see this as a process, rather than as something where
“we are done” – we have started the dialogue, we are putting things up, we are engaged with
City staff – there are lots of moving parts in play and now we are wrapping these items into that.
My perspective is we do view it as continuous improvement. There is always some dialogue and
we can move the dial together. Let’s keep the spirit of working together with us as this moves
forward and comes to us as a resolution. Today was very productive.
gas burning for outdoor
aesthetics (2)
Asset Management
Inventory – share issues with
Council (1)
Participatory Budgeting –
public voting
Review code – refresh for
case law (2)
Provide data miners for non-
profits to help us make
better funding decisions
people on fixed incomes (1)
Expand Transfort Services
across town and on Sunday
(2)
Work with CSU to develop a
Park and Ride
Transportation System
Issues – Trains, Airport (2)
Better partnerships for
transportation – point to
by districts
and Protection
Air Quality
Enforcement
Boxelder
Stormwater District
needs – Council v.
Staff appointment
generate revenue
for You plus 2 and
money for
affordable housing
(3)
Prepare for Traffic
Calming relative to
stadium impacts
Downtown Parking
your expectations (how soon, outcome, etc.)
Give us time to get to a staff recommendation
– sometimes we need to do more learning and
outreach
Give us feedback on Public Engagement Plans
so we don’t miss something you have an
interest in
Increase rigor around SAR requests – less
rhetorical questions – don’t share things from
the public that are just about positions on
agenda items
Rhetorical questions at worksessions and
Council meetings position the staff and are
uncomfortable – limit this please
Clear direction at committee meetings should
frame Council discussion at worksession
Recognize within Utility Services some policies
have conflicting outcomes – help us navigate
these – engage in conversations with us about
this – focus on each of the 4 areas within
Utilities; reaffirm policies and provide
reflective feedback
Come visit! Ride-a-long and observe!!!
Remind us if we start
commenting before a
motion
Let us know about events in
our district – invite us,
acknowledge us when we
are there (Sarah can invite
automatically)
Include Council on industry
visits
Formality at Council
Informal at worksessions
Give us feedback on industry
meetings
Remind us to make reports
from committees
It is appreciated when you
call people by name at the
podium
Use the gavel if you have to
in order to maintain order
City Manager
Genuine follow-up on
matters of inquiry
SAR guidelines
o Ask for clarification
from Council if
needed
o Prepare an FAQ with
standard responses
for Council to use
o Put “Hot Topics”
Q&A on website
o Show us how to
search the database
of prior SARs
Don’t read P*P
presentations
Provide materials in a timely
manner (don’t wait ‘til
Tuesday)
Highlight changes to
presentations and
ordinances
Judge
Quarterly reports are helpful
Point out things that you see
are emerging issues
Judge requests feedback on
quarterly and annual report
and appreciates the Judicial
Review meetings
Attorney
Share case law trends
Appreciate 1-1 interaction
with City Council
CC all of Council on
responses
City Attorney appreciates if
you provide a heads up
when you have legal
questions and welcomes
your feedback