CC Minutes - 07/23/03 Process - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Kelly asserted that the goals process was in need of work. He felt that this year's process had left a gap. He shared the concern that ground rules were needed in advance of such a process, adding that he believed in the value of an annual retreat. Mr. Pap8 said that the council process had improved, but could use more work. He agreed with the City Manager that a facilitator would be useful, particularly for goal-setting. Ms. Nathanson related that the City Council had a facilitator come in and aid its process some years ago and she still had the materials she had been provided with at that session. Ms. Nathanson commented that there may be a perception on the part of the public that the council was divided, but councilors play into the perception when there is discussion on how divided the council is when the camera is on. Ms. Rose suggested that staff could write something on the council's notable achievements and then release it to the press. Mr. Taylor averred that improving the process was vital to the community and the council in the first years. He felt that the community wanted the council to be better and the process could help to determine what the different perceptions of how to improve would be. Mr. Taylor related that staff sometimes felt disrespected. He thought the council could work more effectively in communicating with staff, particularly at public meetings. Mr. Meisner responded that it was difficult to determine how to make the process better without a specific example of an area in need of improvement. Mr. Meisner opposed measurable outcomes. He disliked service profiles because of the cost involved. Continuing, Mr. Meisner stressed that political majorities act, whether one way or another. He felt that the council should speak with one voice once the vote has been cast, and that it was understood there was not unanimity in everything. Ms. Taylor wished to know how to communicate dissatisfaction with staff. She said she would like to examine the communication with regard to the hiring, firing, and retention of staff as well. Ms. Taylor related that the facilitator who had been utilized previously suggested that the political season was not a good time to accomplish anything. She noted that when she ran for office, some people were running on a platform of civility alone. Ms. Bettman commended the aspirational value of Mr. Taylor's proposal. She expressed her personal commitment to holding to the guidelines upon which the councilors had agreed. Ms. Bettman conveyed her frustration with the three-minute time limit, stating that there was only enough time to briefly make a point but not emphasize what was positive. She asserted that once the City Council had directed staff to pursue a work item, staff should address how the item could be accomplished. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 23, 2003 Page 4 Work Session- Process Session