08/10/2005 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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07/22/2U05 FRI 15:43 M • • • tgj 003/005 VII. Share Information Always share relevant information with fellow commissioners and staff, so that everyone has the same information. Staff members also must make certain that information is shared with all commissioners in a timely manner. VIII. Make Decisions in the Open Create an environment in which the City's business is conducted in the open and in which debate is encouraged and valued. Adhere not only to the letter, but also to the spirit of the Open Meetings law. Avoid speaking for the Commission as a group outside of Commission meetings. IX. Nurture the Value of the Individual; Recognize the Strength of the Team Individual commissioners have differing strengths, interests, and abilities. Take advantage of these differences when discussing issues --not everyone can be an expert on every issue. Learn what perspectives individuals bring to discussions. However, never lose sight of the fact that the Commission's legal and political strength comes from working as a team. Constituents expect their elected and appointed officials to learn to work together and with citizens to further the best interests of the City as a whole. X. Trust Your Judgment; Make Tough Decisions Commissioners are appointed to make informed decisions and recommendations. Seek many opinions on an issue. Ten calls on a particular issue may not represent the feelings of all residents. Find out who is impacted by decisions. Trust your judgments to decide what is best for the City as a whole, while protecting the rights of individual citizens. XI. Avoid "Meeting Night" Tunnel Vision Resist the temptations to form a perception about how the City functions based on what happens on Commission meeting evenings. Problems are resolved, projects are planned, citizens receive service, and decisions are made throughout the week. Keep what happens at - Commission meetings within the context of the operation of the entire City. XII. This Too Shall Pass Controversial issues may cause sleepless nights_ However, there will always be another issue looming on the horizon that may be just as controversial. Over time, it will be difficult to remember what was controversial a mere three months earlier. Keep a balanced perspective, and above all, maintain a healthy sense of humor_ —ideas taken from Shoreview's Council Manual; City of Plymouth Staff & Commission Guide; Loveland, Colorado's Council Orientation Guide; and the 204th General Assembly of Presbyterian Church guidelines.