CCP 12-16-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memorandum - Committee Restructure Page Two . December 13,1996 2. Statl provides background information to the committees who then create their own agenda, work program, and completes all work with a resulting recommendation for the City CounciL Staffs role is simply to keep the committee focused on the prioritized goals outlined by CounciL Staff does not have a preference for either of these approaches. As long as the committee, staff and Council know which approach is being used, the program can work. If # I is the preferred role of staff, the City Council and staff will need to discuss the additional time constraints placed on staff and how these relate to the overall number of prioritized goals. Another way to supplement the role of staff is through the use of consultants. While the use of - consultants is an expense to the City, it may actually provide a more efficient use of the committee's time and accomplish specific prioritized goals in a more expedient manner. Council Role The Council should also clarify the role of the City Council in several areas. The first would be the creation of prioritized goals and how these are communicated to the committees. - The second is the role ofthe Council Liaison at the committee meetings. Under this scenario, the COlmcil needs to clarify the involvement of the Council members in the committee discussions. .- This would include everything from representing/clarifying Council positions on issues, input or involvement in discussions or committee work and reporting back to the full City Council any relevant issues of discussion. Committee Labels/Names - The restructuring of the Advisory groups as committees, commissions, or task forces makes little diflerence to staff. However, these labels do have different connotations associated with them. A commission typically has some type of legal authority associated with it, where a committee or - task force does not. If the Council elects to use subcommittees or task forces, it will again need to clarify the relationship with the larger committee and/or staff. Deadlines - As critical as creating the goals and priorities for these committees is, it's equally important to provide them with very specific deadlines to complete these tasks. ,- Other In restructuring the advisory committees, it provides an opportunity to seek methods which - would create an interest by citizens to participate more actively int he local government process. - Many people have expertise in one area or topic which would be beneficial to the committees. However, they may not want to serve in a long-term capacity. The structure which is set up should strive to encourage increased citizen participation. .