COUNCIL RETREAT

The Council Retreat was held on March 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with Council President Williams presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Slavin and Mr. Hogan were absent.

Council staff members present were Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Townshend, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Speed was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

INTRODUCTION AND WARM UP

Mr. Deprima, City Manager, introduced Mr. Doug Harbaugh of Dale Carnegie Institute, and advised members that he would serve as facilitator for the Retreat. Mr. Harbaugh conducted a warm-up exercise to create a positive atmosphere for the meeting.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

Mr. DePrima explained that the prioritization process will provide staff direction for development of next year’s budget, guide the City Clerk in drafting the strategic objectives for Council, and guide other departments in the development of their strategic objectives.

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Mr. DePrima reminded members that the Retreat is held for the purpose of generating new ideas, re-validate vision, critical success and mission, review current and pending initiatives, and review the progress since the last Retreat. He explained that, as last year, the Council would be developing the Council Strategic Objectives for next fiscal year. The review also included last year’s top recommendations of 2006 and what results, if any, have occurred; current and pending initiatives; and the Citizen Survey results (Exhibit #1).

PERCEPTION IS REALITY! Mr. Harbaugh had members make a list of what they perceived to be the strengths of City Council as a group and individually. Members discussed the strength comments they received from other members and the value of looking for the strength in others.

Meeting recessed at 10:15 a.m. and reconvened at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Members brainstormed to encourage idea fluency and to identify opportunities to improve the City.

Members recessed for lunch at 11:39 a.m. and reconvened at 12:46 p.m.

WHERE DO WE START?

Mr. Harbaugh conducted an exercise with members entitled “Disagree Agreeably”. Afterwards, each member was requested to speak on those matters that they felt should receive Council’s support. Each member was given 7 votes to select their priorities. The results of this exercise are reflected on Exhibit #2.

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:16 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Beverly C. Williams

                                                                                    Council President

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Exhibits Attached to Original Minutes and File Copy

Exhibit #1 - Power Point Presentation

Exhibit #2 - 2007 Retreat Prioritization List