HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/31/1998 - Special Minutes City CouncilCITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Mayor
Lynn Mcllhaney
Mayor Pro Tempo~e
David Hickson
City Manager
George K. Noe
City Council
Steve Esmond
Ron Silvia
Swiki Anderson
Larry Mariott
Anne Hazen
MINUTES
COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1998 and MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1998
DEL LAGO RESORT, CONROE, TEXAS
Mayor Mcllhaney opened the retreat session at 5:15 p.m. on May 31, 1998. All
councilmembers were present. Staff present included Skip Noe, Harvey Cargill, Jr.,
and Connie Hooks.
Mayor Mcllhaney announced the purpose for the retreat was to review policies and
procedures and develop new strategic plans for the 98-99 fiscal year. Prior to the
council embarking on these topics, the evening session was facilitated by Susan
Causey of Causey Consulting, Inc. on effective team building techniques.
As part of the program, councilmembers identified characteristics of an effective team.
Ms. Causey led the group through several exemises to stimulate communication among
the councilmembers. Numerous comments related to open communication, trust,
policies and decisions made by the team, perceptions, role of councilmembers,
responsibilities to the public and staff, and charter requirements.
Councilmembers discussed the mechanism to allow for councilmember's item to the
workshop agenda. Council concurred that an item can be placed on the workshop
agenda under "Agenda Item Requests by Councilmembers' for council to discuss and
decide whether or not to place on a future agenda for consideration. It is the
responsibility of the councilmember to provide council with an agenda item cover sheet,
a synopsis of the councilmember's goal for the item, and the related strategic issue.
At the conclusion of the evening session, Council developed a TOP 10 LIST to
enhance an effective team:
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Policy Statement for Councilmembers of expected behavior.
Evaluation System
Change in policy for agenda items
Two Way communication, Listen to each other
Recommit to communication process and understand each other's preference of
communication.
Remember mutual respect/trust
Socialize and interact with each other
Commitment to stand up for each other
Practice direct or assertive communication
Establish working relationship for a strong team with staff
98 Retreat Notes Page 2
The first session concluded at 8:35 p.m.
Council reconvened at 8:35 a.m., June 1 with the absence of Anderson and Esmond.
Each councilmember identified strengths and weaknesses in the City of College
Station. They also identified ongoing projects that will improve College Station. Ms.
Causey reminded council to focus on the strength and be mindful of the weaknesses.
Council expressed viewpoints about the budget document and process. Council
discussed the mission statement, ends statements and governing style outlined in the
governance policy. Council suggested the ends statements be identified without
numbers to indicate that there is no preference in priority.
Mayor Mcllhaney noted that the staff will begin to provide council with a three month
planning agenda calendar to help with policy decisions.
The Management Council and management staff ardved to the meeting. This portion
of the meeting provided an overview and update of 97 strategic issues.
Council identified new strategic issues and went through the ranking process.
The group recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and returned to meeting at 1:15 p.m.
The ranking of strategic issues was calculated by staff. Council made comments about
the results. Staff was directed to bdng back actions plans in late June.
Prior to concluding the session, Council briefly reviewed the council meeting
procedures. It was noted that on Sunday evening a change was made to the process
for bringing forth an agenda item by a councilmember.
Dudng this discussion, council discussed a change to require a roster for citizens to
sign and indicate their topic of interest or concern. Topics of operational concern may
be directed to the City Manager. Council also directed the City Manager to provide a
three month planning calendar.
The session was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 27th day of August, 199~8.
City Secretary Connie Hooks
APPROVED:
Maydr Lynn Mcllhaney