08/24/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 14, 2009 DRAFT 46 • 47 The group discussed organizational values and staff was asked if there were any values 48 missing from the list that the council developed. A staff member suggested that 49 leadership is of great importance in reaching goals; also teamwork is vital. Staff and 50 council discussed the value of respect and how it translates into working together. The 51 consultant pointed out that when there are clear goals and everyone is working toward the 52 same end, it makes the work along the way better. When looking at the idea of 53 independence (from other communities around the city), a staff member pointed out that 54 there is interdependence — in areas such as economic development, jobs, and 55 infrastructure. The council and staff discussed recreation aspects of the city also. When 56 it was noted that economics may be an item missing from the discussion, a staff member 57 suggested that the economic situation that the city faces could be a good opportunity to 58 reinvent city services perhaps through volunteerism or collaboration with other 59 jurisdictions/ organizations. The consultant recognized that type of value as creativity. 60 61 The council and staff discussed strategic objectives and the following statement was 62 developed: Enhance our quality through effective leadership by balancing the needs of 63 our citizens with the responsible use of resources. 64 65 The consultant reviewed some strengths and weaknesses recognized by the council. They 66 had also discussed opportunities and threats that could impact the city. Staff noted that 67 they do not agree that water bills are three times higher in Lino Lakes and that taxes are 68 higher than everywhere else. In the area of funds received from the state, council and 69 staff recognized that many cities are taking an approach of no longer relying on receipt of 70 any such funds. 71 72 The consultant then noted that the council completed a "balanced scorecard" exercise — 73 using four perspectives of finances, customers, internal processes, and learning and 74 growth. Four goals were developed from those areas. In the area of finances, staff spoke 75 about upcoming budget process and suggested the more perspective on goals, service 76 priorities and community values as seen by the council the better for staff in presenting a 77 budget. A council member suggested that he was hoping that the council could set values 78 and goals but collaboration with staff on details will be required because the council 79 doesn't know the inner workings and also needs professional advice on such things as the 80 projected length on the real estate value drop. The council will also be looking to staff to 81 provide information on revenue possibilities, beneficial organizational changes, etc. 82 The council and staff discussed the importance of maintaining a working relationship 83 with the city's advisory boards and also the Charter Commission. A staff member noted 84 the importance staff of hearing one voice from the council as a body. The council, in 85 turn, suggested that all levels of the staff organization should be involved and encouraged 86 to make improvement suggestions for the organization. 87 88 The council will have a work session in the future to further discussion of the budget with 89 the information gained in this session. 90 • •