Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> e Mr. Holmer responded that his memorandum does not reflect differences with <br /> the council but provides suggestions for improvement in the Manager's style <br /> and in his staff1s work. <br /> Councilors discussed Mr. Boles' request to include the charge to provide <br /> councilors advance knowledge of proposed work plans and their consequences if <br /> implemented in the motion under consideration. <br /> , . <br /> Ms. Bascom withdrew her motion. <br /> Mr. Rutan maintained that Mr. Gleason informs the council of potential <br /> consequences of actions to the extent that is possible. Mr. Boles clarified <br /> that his request was for the manager to tell councilors what questions they <br /> should ask. He cited the funding of the Airport as an example of a situation <br /> in which he was not made aware that the project constituted 20 percent of the <br /> capital budget. Other councilors maintained that they were aware of those <br /> costs and approved them with full knowledge of the consequences. <br /> Councilors considered Mr. Gleason1s performance in the third area, that of <br /> his carrying out of the administrative functions of his position. <br /> Mr. Rutan and Ms. Ehrman agreed that councilors have inadequate contact with <br /> this area to evaluate it in detail. Mr. Holmer disagreed and said he was <br /> concerned about complaints having to do with the management of trees, <br /> e building contractors, and unfair treatment of departments. <br /> Mr. Rutan considered complaints less important than whether the manager and <br /> his staff are working toward solutions. Ms. Ehrman added that complaints and <br /> rumors are inevitable and she considered the low turnover of City department <br /> heads an indication of Mr. Gleason's accomplishments in the administrative <br /> function. <br /> Ms. Bascom reported receiving a number of citizen complaints and said she was <br /> satisfied with City staff's general ability to address those complaints. <br /> Mr. Bennett reiterated that his preference had been to hold an executive <br /> session to better allow the free flow of ideas. He commented that after ten <br /> years in his position, it would be natural for Mr. Gleason's energy and <br /> commitment levels to diminish. He encouraged Mr. Gleason to consider the <br /> future direction and structure of the organization, and to assess the <br /> commitment and energy of key individuals in the organization. Mr. Bennett <br /> stated that he supports Mr. Gleason and appreciates the effectiveness of his <br /> leadership. <br /> Mr. Bennett referred to intergovernmental relations as an extremely important <br /> area in which the City can improve its efforts and he encouraged staff to <br /> consider how the council can assist that effort through policy. <br /> Additionally, Mr. Bennett said the public's impression of the relationship <br /> between the council and the City Manager is important and he supported <br /> e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 6, 1989 Page 6 <br />