Agenda Packets - 1986/12/15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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z The city needs to continue to address these important issues. i in sumnar, d a ty ® improvingyits hteam twork eand ws rwhich ehad aineed which t hrefine, consolidahad made reat rogress in te, and improve its planning process. The consultants concluded from these interviews that the workshop agenda (see attached) should include a review of last year emphasizing the successes and the causes for those successes; a clarification by the council of the city's psi^;':'yes for the next few years; a presentation by the staff of what they need from council to•achieve their goals and objectives; and an agreement by department heads and council members as to how the planning and budget process will be scheduled for this coming year. A Review of 1984; Reasons for Success New Brighton enjoyed considerable success in 1984. The important question to ask is what caused this success? Excellence in local government is not a product but a process, a pursuit, which can be understood and thereby sustained. In a handout provided workshop participants entitled "Excellence in Local Government Management"*eight criteria are identified which distinguish successful local governments from less successful ones. They include having an action orientation, being oriented toward employees, staying close tcitizens, i explicitly stating values, mission, goals, and competence, mantaining an efficient task -centered structure, and nurturing stable and yet creative political relationships. In reviewing 1984, the department heads and council identified the following' ® successes and their causes. The similarity between the causes that were identified and the criteria mentioned above is striking. Successes Causes for Success Liquor Store operation was turned around *'New Management and is showingprofit * Employee Attitude a * Direct Mail Marketing * Economy The April Tornado was handled well *Attitude to pitch in and help by city staff, residents, employees *Management response, planning and organization Pipeline problem was Handled well *Professional and dedicated staff*Personnel Computer Selection made *Council stayed out of details *Patience and hard work by staff *Use of consultants *Material developed by the Center for Excellence in Local Government, Palo Alto, California.