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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2005-01-14 Minutes MINUTES OF THE GOAL SETTING WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD AT GARRETT CREEK CONFERENCE CENTER, 270 PRIVATE ROAD 3745, PARADISE, TEXAS, JANUARY 14-15, 2005 Council Present: Oscar Trevino David Whitson John Lewis Suzy Compton JoAnn Johnson Nancy Bielik Tim Welch Mayor Mayor Pro T em Council, Place 1 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 Staff Present: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services City Secretary Absent: Jo Cox Council, Place 2 The City Council met January 14, 2005 beginning at 12:00 p.m. and concluded on January 15, 2005 for the purpose of reviewing and setting goals and priorities for 2005. Mr. Jim Blagg, Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc. and Mr. Bill Bancroft, Principal, conbrio, were the facilitators for the work session. Mayor Trevino called the work session to order on January 14, 2005 at 12:40 p.m. with Council and Management staff present as recorded. Mayor Trevino advised that Councilwoman Cox was ill. The facilitators gave a brief overview of the afternoon session dealing with communications and conflict with the objective of recognizing the conflict styles of others and becoming more aware of individual conflict styles. Council discussed the various conflict modes and how the different modes are used in different environments. The Council reviewed and discussed the results of the individual Council comments and concerns provided to the facilitators prior to the work session. There was a discussion on protocol and obtaining information from city staff. It was discussed that there was not a problem with Council making inquiries to City Staff, but that issues arise when requests go beyond inquiries. Items of concern or requests should be brought to the City Manager's office where possible. Several Council members may have the same concern or a need for the same information. This will reduce multiple requests and enable the City Manager's office to respond to the council member requesting the information and to other Council members who may have the same concerns and request for information. Any issues requiring significant staff time should be brought to the Council's attention for direction. Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 2 The Mayor recessed the work session at 2:45 p.m. and called the work session back to order at 2:53 p.m. The Council discussed the House Rules established in 1999 at a Council Goal Setting Work Session and discussed the need for house rules. The consensus of the Council was to have a set of house rules. After discussion, Council consensus was to establish the following Code of Conduct - House Rules: 1) Do Your Homework and Be Prepared For Each Meeting 2) Support Council Decisions Regardless of Individual Opinions 3) Consider Issues Based On What's Best For The City of North Richland Hills Rather Than Political Considerations 4) Be Truthful 5) Focus On Vision, Goals and Targets In Making Our Decisions 6) Be Open With Communications 7) Agree to Disagree 8) Debate Pending Issues in the Council Environment 9) Treat Others As You Would Like To Be Treated (Treat others with respect) 10) Allow Each Other to Discuss Items Fully 11) Don't Blindside Staff, Council and Others 12) Respect Confidentiality of Executive Sessions Council reviewed and discussed Governance Process Refinements and Actions established by Council in 1999 at a Goal Setting Work Session. Consensus of Council was to reaffirm and reestablish the Governance Process Actions: Action 1: Information and Sharing A. Among Mayor and City Council - the Mayor and City Council members are responsible for sharing information with all Mayor and City Council - same information and message; for communicating in a timely manner. B. From City Manager - (1) City Manager shares information with Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem. (2) On major issues or "crises," the City Manager(s) will share same information with Mayor and City Council. Action 2: Direction to City Manager A. Council Direction - The direction from Mayor and City Council will be summarized. Mayor summarizes motion. If Council is unclear, ask the City Manager to summarize his understanding of the direction. If City Manager is unclear, the City Manager should ask the Council to summarize or clarify. Council direction is based upon majority vote and done in public session. B. Alternative Direction - If the City Manager perceives that he is receiving direction from an individual elected official or direction different than the Council direction, he is to bring the matter to the Mayor and City Council for clarification and/or direction at a public meeting. Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 3 Action 3: Request Beyond Information for Citizen Complaints or Concerns If the City Council member or Mayor has a request for significant staff time, the individual should bring it to the Council for direction to the City Manager/City Attorney. If the City Manager/City Attorney receives a request from the Mayor or an individual Council member for tasks requiring significant staff time, the City Manager should bring the request to the Council for direction. Action 4: Reminder - Council = Policy; Manager = Implementation Mayor and City Council reminded themselves: City Manager manages staff; Elected Officials focus on policy and should not interfere with management. Action 5: Consistent Treatment There should be consistent treatment (eliminate any double standard or perceived double standard) of each elected official and any citizens, regardless of their position on an issue. If Council sees an inconsistency, the individual is responsible to help the Chair (Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem) by bringing the matter to their attention. Action 6: Code of Conduct Applies to All The Code of Conduct (House Rules) should apply to: Mayor and City Council; City Staff and Citizens making presentations and comments. The Chair (Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem) shall notify speakers of Council Rules and Procedures and enforce it when necessary. Action 7: Citizen Comments (Non-formal Public Hearing) When citizens are allowed to speak on an issue, other opinions may be presented. If Council questions opening an issue for input, the Council member can apply to Chair. Action 8: Interpersonal Problem If you have a problem/question with another elected official, go to them first. Action 9: Recognition Letter Encourage letters to come from Mayor and City Council. Action 10: Report from City Representatives Representative should use "Information Section" to report on issues, actions, etc. Mayor Trevino recessed the work session at 6:05 p.m. and called the work session back to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following present: Council Present: Oscar Trevino David Whitson John Lewis Suzy Compton JoAnn Johnson Nancy Bielik Tim Welch Staff Present: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson Steve Brown Vickie Loftice Mike Curtis Debbie Durko Dave Green Patrick Hillis Andy Jones Larry Koonce Mary Edwards Dave Pendley John Pitstick Thomas Powell John Lynn Kyle Spooner JoAnn Stout Drew Corn Absent: Jo Cox Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 4 Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council, Place 1 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services City Secretary Library Director Parks and Recreation Director Public Works Director Court Administrator Director of Planning Human Resources Director Fire Chief Finance Director Public Information Officer Building Official Development Director Support Services Director Interim Police Chief Information Services Director Neighborhood Services Director Budget Director Council, Place 2 The facilitators briefly reviewed the agenda, the roles, rules and expected outcomes and objectives of the strategic planning work session. The Council and Staff were asked to create a history timeline of the City. The resulting timeline showed the many accomplishments, projects, key events, and completed goals of the City. There was discussion on learning experiences. Mayor Trevino recessed the work session for the evening at 8:30 p.m. and called the work session back to order on January 15, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. with Council, Management Staff and Directors present as recorded the previous evening. Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 5 The Council and Staff identified and discussed political, economic, social, environmental, technology and unknown factors affecting the future of the city and its growth. The Council and Staff were asked to identify the most important uncertainties. Identified as most important were the Impact of North Hills Mall, build out, aging business centers, aging infrastructure, rising health costs, South Grapevine development and sales taxes. Mayor Trevino recessed the work session at 9:00 a.m. and called the work session back to order at 9: 11 a.m. Council and Staff were asked to identify strengths, problems, opportunities, threats and select the most important. The following were identified as the most important - strength - City Staff; problem - redevelopment; opportunity - (two were noted as being important) North Hills Mall and the construction of new public facilities; threat - downturn in economy. The Council and Staff broke into groups and envisioned what writers and editors of different magazines might say about North Richland Hills in the future. The groups created a cover story of their vision. The work session was adjourned for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and was called back to order at 1 :00 p.m. Possible goals for 2010 were discussed. Council consensus was to establish the following goals: · Quality Community Development and Revitalization · Efficient, Effective Transportation System · Safety and Security · Financial Stability · Preserve Positive City Image · Quality of Life Objectives and short term actions were developed to accomplish the established goals. After the objectives were developed, they were ranked to establish highest priority, high priority and medium priority. The following objectives and short term actions were established for each of the goals. Goal: Quality Community Development & Revitalization Objectives: · Complete Implementation of South Grapevine Highway Study (Highest Priority) · Complete & Implement Loop 820 Study Objectives (Highest Priority) · Develop Build Out Strategy (High Priority) · Expedite Development of North Hills Mall (High Priority) · Create Rail Station Development Plan (Medium Priority) Short Term Actions: · Maximize Land Use Values · Land Bank Property in Key Development Areas, if feasible · Commit Public Funds to Stimulate Reinvestment · Encourage More Businesses to Locate in North Richland Hills · Review/Update Ordinances Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 6 · Update Comprehensive Land Use Plan · Facilitate Home Town Development Goal: Quality of Life Objectives: · Develop, Maintain Sense of Community (High Priority) · Maintain Parks Program at Current High Level (High Priority) · Maintain Cultural Arts Program (Medium Priority) · Expand & Improve Public Arts Program (Medium Priority) · Complete, Implement Trails System Plan (Medium Priority) · Encourage Volunteerism (Medium Priority) Short Term Actions: · Continue Concerts in the Park · Oktoberfest - South Side by NRH Village Center (formerly Richland Business Center) · Main Street Festival · Complete Implementation of Parks Master Plan · Complete Dog Park · Library South of 820 · Promote and Increase Health & Wellness Programs/Opportunities · Relocate South Side Recreation Center · Rotate Summer Music Festival North/South Study · Continue Night of Holiday Magic Goal: Preserve Positive City Image Objectives: · Continue Communication Flow to Citizens (Highest Priority) · Construction of New Public Facilities (Medium Priority) · Focus on and Recognize City Successes (Medium Priority) Short Term Actions: · Develop City Facilities Location Plan · Conduct Citizens Survey of City Services · Evaluate/Formalize Good Will Ambassadors Program · Improve On-Line Services · Build Public Facilities in HomeTown · Create Programs that Facilitate Community Involvement · Follow, Utilize Standards of City Image Study - Branding Efforts South Grapevine Hwy. · Continue Open Communication with Media Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 7 · Continue to Promote North Richland Hills to Outside World · Continue to Hold Informative Meetings with Citizens on all Important Issues Goal: Safety & Security Objectives: · Provide State of Art Public Safety Communications (Highest Priority) · Provide Effective Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services (High Priority) · Maintain Low Response Times (Medium Priority) · Improve Property Protection Classification Rating (Medium Priority) Short Term Actions: · Increase Fire Training & Education · Hire & Retain Quality Public Safety Personnel · Continue Fire Inspections · Increase the Use of Web based Data for Safety & Security · Enhance Community Involvement of Police Department and Fire Department Administrative Staff - Be more Visible · Friendly, Open Employees - Provide Good Customer Service · Continue to Operate Police Department Where Laws are Enforced with Traffic Violations Goal: Efficient Effective Transportation System Objectives: · Maintain Lead on Regional Rail Issues (Highest Priority) · Maintain Leadership Role on Regional Transportation Issues (Highest Priority) Short Term Actions: · Improve Corridors Access & Appearance · Evaluate 820 Impact on City Facilities · Expand Street Maintenance in Older Neighborhoods · Re-stripe Davis Boulevard · Phase Traffic Signals (Improve Traffic Signal Phasing Along Major Corridors) · Alternate Traffic Routes During Loop 820 Widening · Maintain Increase Street Maintenance Funds (Capital Improvements Program) · Implement Image Study with Transportation · Smooth Intersections (Begin Developing Intersections Improvement Plan) Goal: Financial Stability Objectives: Council Work Session Minutes January 14-15, 2005 Page 8 · Maximize Grant Funding (Highest Priority) · Maintain Cash Reserves Policy (Highest Priority) · Maintain Current Tax Rate (High Priority) · Continue Pay-As-You Go Where Possible (High Priority) Short Term Actions: · Examine Gas Drilling on City Property · Continue Existing Budget Process · Update Building and Equipment Replacement Plans · Update Plan for Rebuilding Insurance Reserves · Develop Technology Replacement Plan · Continue to Monitor & Respond to Changes in Financial Trends . Facilitate North Hills Mall Development Mayor Trevino adjourned the work session on January 15, 2005 at 4:20 p.m.