12-12-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING • December 12, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. (20. GOAL SETTING PROCESS FOR 2012, Continued) Franchot stated in his view there should be a facilitator to allow all of City Staff and Council to actively be involved in the process and not in running it. Franchot stated in his opinion they have a mis- weighted group in that the Council is more management or bosses and staff works for the Council and that it is asking an awful lot of the group to function well. Franchot stated a facilitator is a small cost that has a big benefit and that he has never seen a group do it well without someone acting as a facilitator. Rahn stated he has worked for various cities over the past 21 years and that he has never been asked to sit down with the Council to develop goals. Franchot noted that is the point and that Council is asking Staff to work on developing common goals. Rahn commented he would like to think they can do it without a facilitator. McMillan stated the Council can try to do the process without a facilitator. McMillan noted the city administrator has her foot in both camps since she is part of staff and also works with the Council directly and is the bridge between both groups. McMillan stated the Council may want to consider a facilitator. Rahn stated it might be an easier decision to make after the goals are submitted by the two groups. The Council could then review the goals and make the decision on whether a facilitator is needed. • Franchot noted three of the Council Members have indicated a desire for a facilitator and asked why they are not going ahead with a facilitator. McMillan asked whether he would like her to check prices with A.B. Reynolds. Franchot stated he would. McMillan stated she will check prices and bring back information for further discussion in January. Loftus asked whether the Council is comfortable with her proposing someone for the utility study group with Long Lake with the appointments in January along with the Mayor. Franchot stated he does not consider himself particularly qualified but that he would be happy to be on the group. Printup also offered to participate in the utility study group. McMillan commented that Long Lake was anticipating that Franchot would be on the committee. Loftus confirmed that McMillan and Franchot would be appointed to the utility study group. Loftus noted the city has an opportunity for the employees to do some planned giving through payroll deductions. Currently the employees have the option of donating to the United Way. Franchot and Loftus met with the MN Environmental Fund and this group would be another opportunity that could be offered for employee participation. Loftus noted this does not require any Council action but she is • interested to know whether any of the Council Members have any concerns with this item. Loftus reiterated it is a voluntary charitable opportunity for the employees. Page 16 of 18