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Mounds View City Council March 22,1999
<br />Regular Meeting Page 5
<br />well. He explained that this had culminated with the admission of some of his errors and faults
<br />in front of other people, which was never a very comfortable situation, however, he hoped they
<br />could maintain these goals, and work in the same direction, as a team.
<br />Council Member Marty advised that they would not always agree with their fellow Council or
<br />staff members, because there were some very strong individuals involved. He pointed out that
<br />the City was not being led by a "bunch of sheep," contrary to some opinions.
<br />Council Member Marty indicated that at the Retreat, there was discussion pertaining to how to
<br />regain the publics' trust, and put their best foot forward. He stated they realize that this was not
<br />an overnight process, and it would take time for the public to become familiar with the Council
<br />Members and staff. He explained that he did not know many of those who attended the Retreat
<br />very well, however, after spending two days together, baring their souls, he had come to know
<br />them as people. He indicated this was always helpful, as opposed to simply passing each other
<br />on the way in and out of City Hall, or meeting for official business. He stated he hoped that they
<br />could all start working together to develop a vision for the City, and begin to earn the trust of the
<br />citizens, staff, and fellow Council Members.
<br />Council Member Thomason stated she also had doubts going into the Retreat, however, by the
<br />second day, was quite reassured. She indicated she was very impressed with the staff and the
<br />other Council Members, in learning about their values, and in that there was complete
<br />transparency with regard to any differences they had, which simply appeared to be more of a
<br />perception, than actual differences. She stated she found many similarities between Council and
<br />staff, and in fact, had a very enjoyable time. She expressed her appreciation to all, for
<br />participating m the Retreat, and being open.
<br />Council Member Stigney stated he also had reservations regarding the Retreat, as he has attended
<br />other such events in the past. He indicated that this particular Retreat was very productive in
<br />terms of bringing forward the problems of interaction between the Council and the staff, which
<br />has been an ongoing issue since he has been a Council Member. He stated everyone was
<br />straightforward in terms of bringing forward their actual concerns, and how they would like to
<br />have them resolved, and many issues were brought out into the open. He noted he did not
<br />believe everything was resolved, however, now that these concerns have been identified, it was a
<br />step in this direction. He advised that they should hold some follow-up sessions to address these
<br />matters on a more specific basis, and determine how they can really be resolved. He stated he
<br />was pleased with the overall outcome of the Council/Staff Retreat.
<br />City Administrator Whiting stated the Council's comments echoed staff" s feelings of skepticism
<br />going into the meeting. He indicated staff has attended several of these seminars, and were
<br />aware of patterns of behavior that seem to play out in the roles that Council and staff hold with
<br />the City. He pointed out that the ability to discuss these matters openly and honestly was
<br />necessary, however, the teamwork required for this type of business was necessary, because the
<br />success goes both ways. He explained that the success does not only go between the Council and
<br />staff, but also between City Hall and the community.
<br />City Administrator Whiting stated in reflecting upon his three years with the City of Mounds
<br />View, he realized that that he has worked for three different Mayors, and nine different Council
<br />Members. He advised that rt was somewhat difficult, throughout these changes, to gam an
<br />understanding of what is being required of you by the City. He explained that for some of the
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