Agenda Packets - 1999/01/19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item No. 5 Type of Business: WK WK: Work Session; PH:Public Hearing; CA:Consent Agenda;CB: Council Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mayor and City Council From: Cari Schmidt Item Title/Subject: Retreat Date of Report: January 14, 1999 Interest has been expressed in a City Council retreat. We have many options for such an event. In the past, the retreats have been three or four hours off site at another City Hall or neutral location. We can certainly do this same type of retreat or opt for something different. There are a few issues we should discuss relating to this event: 1. Time Frame-- How long do we want to spend? We could have the traditional 4 hour evening meeting, or make it a two day venture. For example,the City of New Brighton spends a Friday night and Saturday away together. 2. Location -- Depending on what type of retreat we want--we have a variety of options. If we stay in the metro,we could utilize another city hall in a neighboring community. We could also rent a meeting room somewhere. If we want to make it a two day venture, we could look into renting a cabin, hotel rooms or a meeting facility. For example,New Brighton holds their retreat at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Plymouth. 3. Purpose-- The purpose of the retreat could vary. First,we could use this as a vision setting/strategic planning session. Traditionally,the purpose of the retreat has been to discuss goals and discuss communication issues. A very broad topic is proposed and discussed at length- -often never getting too detailed (and often not getting much accomplished). We have often used a consultant in the past for these types of retreats. In the alternative, we could use this retreat as more of a social gathering/get to know each other event. A combination of the two could also be utilized. 4. Consultant-- Historically we have tried both methods--with or without a consultant. Out last Council Staff retreat in June was facilitated by the City Administrator. We have also used consultants such as Don Salverda in the past. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Obviously, not hiring a consultant is the less expensive route. (The City of New Brighton hired the consultants"Lynn and Associates" for their 2 day retreat on"Orientation to Leadership: What leadership Means for Staff and Council" for a total of$4,000.) Although cheaper, a consultant can help the group develop and lead the discussion as an outsider. Arguably,they often open the door for more frank discussion and honest discourse.