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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes - 02/05/99 Goals MINUTES Eugene City Council Goals Process Work Session Eugene Hotel Meeting Room, Mezzanine Level, 222 East Broadway February 5, 1999 5p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Scott Meisner, Pat Fart, David Kelly, Bobby Lee, Nancy Nathanson, Gary Pap~, Gary Rayor, Betty Taylor. I. CALL TO ORDER The February 5, 1999, Eugene City Council work session was called to order at 5 p.m.; His Honor Mayor dames D. Torrey presiding. II. TEAM BUILDING, VISION, AND VALUES A. Overview and Outcomes of Meeting Facilitator Margot Helphand gave an overview of the process sessions for both this evening and February 6, including desired outcomes. There were no changes to the agenda. B. Introductions/Values Councilors were asked to describe things that made for "worst" meetings and things that made for "best" meetings. The following lists were generated. Worst · talked too much · controlled by a few · sarcastic comments · lack of preparation · too much digression .surprises/shock · repeating what has been said · decision made prior to discussion · no listening · "you" negative statements Best MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 5, 1999 Page 1 5p.m. · respect differing viewpoints · specific outcome (create something new) · tight group focus (eye on outcome) ·well-organized · mission (give of selves to make it happen) ·respectful · active listening · focus on issues, not the person .humor/laughter · allowing other the benefit of doubt · food · "see" diversity of opinion Council members were given an opportunity to discuss their personal goals during their tenure, followed by a discussion of core council values. The following highlight some of the items that were mentioned as important to the council: a balanced tax system; neighborhood revitalization; making a "real" impact on homeless youth; equity in services; a prettier city; improved relationship with citizens; good, substantial land use policy; a good community/police relationship; completion and implementation of Growth Management Study; public perception that government is "done" as efficiently as possible; an equitable funding system for programs; public perception of "safer" communities; people in their diversity feeling safer; environmentally sensitive transportation system; broad community respect for the council; public input on a broader spectmm/a neighborhood program that works and a new mechanism for public input; greater intergovernmental cooperation; increase in "entry-level" housing; City incentives used wisely; state-of-the-art "best management practices"; credibility of City government by citizens and other jurisdictions; a new attitude for community policing; a well-planned and implemented new Library; more and cleaner, safer parks; commitment to sustainability; alternative transportation, including bike/foot paths and railroads; a new tree ordinance; inclusionary zoning; federal cooperation in diverting traffic from Ferry Street Bridge; and an open dialogue/relationship with the Hispanic community. At the council's request, City Manager Jim Johnson outlined his expectations and said he wished his legacies would be: a City where things are done with the honesty and integrity with which he now manages; and a group of managers within the organization that help future councils succeed. Ms. Helphand said it was useful to understand why things were important to each council member and these would be helpful in developing the council's goals. Several members observed that many of the items generated were possible. C. Learning Organization Exercise Ms. Helphand led the council in an exercise called The Ladder of Abstraction, which demonstrated assumptions people make with a limited amount of data. Mr. Lee said the council, knowing that the public uses this type of process to judge it, was often addressing those assumptions and that detracted from the policy decision at hand. Ms. Nathanson said that if the public did not hear about why and how the council arrived at a decision, it was hard for them to understand and she expressed frustration that there was not more that could be done to promote understanding. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 5, 1999 Page 2 5p.m. Ms. Helphand said slowing down was a way of avoiding the pitfalls. Mr. Meisner suggested starting over as another way. D. Council Purpose and Councilor Role This item was postponed to February 6 due to time constraints. The council discussed the agenda for the February 6 session. Mr. Kelly asked to have a sheet circulated to have council members note how they wish to communicate with one another, e.g., first choice method, second choice method, and "don't ever." Staff will follow up and distribute such a list. Mr. Johnson cautioned members against holding deliberations toward a decision outside of the public's view as it violated the Oregon Public Meetings Law. Mayor Torrey reminded the council of the public nature of its work and urged them to focus on issues not personalities. Mr. Johnson added that council meetings were opportunities to create "multiple positive moments of truth" as well as opportunities to instill a positive public image. The council expressed appreciation for this evening's session and looked forward to regrouping the next day. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. James R. Johnson City Manager (Recorded by Yolanda Paule) MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 5, 1999 Page 3 5p.m.