HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-0202.Spec.SS.MINMINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
February 2, 1999
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chairperson Laws called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
IN ATTENDANCE
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, and Fine were present. City Administrator Mike Freeman was present.
COMMENTS ON CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S EVALUATION
Discussion as to how to address item #2, the community input process. Noted that Councilor Wheeldon was absent from
the meeting and this was her issue. Discussed the value of setting up standardized procedures for community input.
Freeman commented on the need for training of planners and engineers involved in capitol projects for conducting
public meetings. Through standardized public process, the public is aware of how they can, and cannot, impact the
process.
Reid commented on how the community values diversity in its citizens and neighborhoods. Expressed concern with
making too many "cookie cutter" decisions and adversely effecting diversity.
Hauck feels that there is no issue with staff reports, as the standardized format has been helpful. Laws suggested
including a subtitle below "Council Communication". Fine inquired whether pages could be numbered in the council
packets; it was determined that this could not be done easily.
Freeman asked Council to let him know if there are any other larger ideas they'd like to get across to him.
Reid stated that she feels that Freeman does not need to be the lead person all the time in coordinating with community
organizations and institutions. Freeman explained that this was not a problem, and that most projects are done
collectively with cooperative management.
1999 CITY ADMINISTRATOR GOALS DISCUSSION
Went over Draft Summary Strategic Plan, looking at the goal items that remain to be addressed. Noted that the idea
is to make a short statement of intent for each, with a group of staff and Council working together to prepare these.
Would like to have these available for the February 19th, and possibly into the study session on March 2nd.
Laws commented on the need to know that resources and staff are available to accomplish the goals. Council needs
to know staffs work load to know what can be done this year. Freeman stated that he assumed all goals identified
as priorities for next year will be done and had directed staff to prioritize accordingly. From this, there needs to be
an assessment of whether items can be accomplished.
Reid suggested that someone from Parks needs to attend future strategic planning sessions. Laws indicated that the
Delatore property purchase should not be a goal, as there is already a program in place to purchase open space.
Discussed "Parks, Open Space and Aesthetics" goals.
Confirmed that the Council/staff groups to draft policy statements will include Councilor Reid for "Financial
Management", Councilor Fine for "Regional Strategies", Councilor Hauck for "Social/Human Services", and staff to
prepare a strategy to address "Organizational Effectiveness.".
ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Barbara Christensen, City Recorder/Treasurer
CiEy Council SZudy Session Minutes 02-02-1999