05-14-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 14, 2009 APPROVED 45 discussed the value of respect and how it translates into working together. The consultant 46 pointed out that when there are clear goals and everyone is working toward the same end, it 47 makes the work along the way better. When looking at the idea of independence (from 48 other communities around the city), a staff member pointed out that there is 49 interdependence—in areas such as economic development,jobs, and infrastructure. The 50 council and staff discussed recreation aspects of the city also. When it was noted that 51 economics may be an item missing from the discussion, a staff member suggested that the 52 economic situation that the city faces could be a good opportunity to reinvent city services 53 perhaps through volunteerism or collaboration with other jurisdictions/organizations. The 54 consultant recognized that type of value as creativity. 55 The council and staff discussed strategic objectives and the following statement was 56 developed: Enhance our quality through effective leadership by balancing the needs of our 57 citizens with the responsible use of resources. 58 The consultant reviewed some strengths and weaknesses recognized by the council. They 59 had also discussed opportunities and threats that could impact the city. Staff noted that 60 they do not agree that water bills are three times higher in Lino Lakes and that taxes are 61 higher than everywhere else. In the area of funds received from the state, council and staff 62 recognized that many cities are taking an approach of no longer relying on receipt of any 63 such funds. 64 The consultant then noted that the council completed a"balanced scorecard" exercise- 65 using four perspectives of finances, customers, internal processes, and learning and growth. 66 Four goals were developed from those areas. In the area of finances, staff spoke about 67 upcoming budget process and suggested the more perspective on goals, service priorities 68 and community values as seen by the council the better for staff in presenting a budget. A 69 council member suggested that he was hoping that the council could set values and goals 70 but collaboration with staff on details will be required because the council doesn't know 71 the inner workings and also needs professional advice on such things as the projected 72 length on the real estate value drop. The council will also be looking to staff to provide 73 information on revenue possibilities, beneficial organizational changes, etc. The council 74 and staff discussed the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the city's 75 advisory boards and also the Charter Commission. A staff member noted the importance 76 staff of hearing one voice from the council as a body. The council, in turn, suggested that 77 all levels of the staff organization should be involved and encouraged to make 78 improvement suggestions for the organization. 79 The council will have a work session in the future to further discussion of the budget with 80 the information gained in this session. 81 The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m. 82 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on 83 August 24, 2009. 84 85 • 86 87 Julianne Aartell, City erk Ah4nl'igeson, ayor 2