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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - SEPTEMBER 29,2008 <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />Administrator Willis stated the City also would benefit from a stronger working relationship <br />between the Council and staff. Council needs to treat staff and one another with respect. The <br />working relationship between Council and staff could be improved if staff were not publicly <br />criticized. Comments can and should be made privately, which would greatly assist in building <br />morale. He noted the primary goal for Council should be to develop a reasonable set of goals that <br />all members and staff can support and attain. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis understood that the Councilmembers were each elected officials with <br />unique perspectives and need to work together for a consensus. He indicated the goal setting <br />would be challenging work but would allow for a positive focus. Administrator Willis <br />explained a series of broad based goals, established with the City Administrator would provide <br />an action plan for the Council. He stated this would give the City a unified vision and plan of <br />attack. Administrator Willis noted staff would have to then stay on task with the achievement <br />of the main goals, as well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes inquired as to how Council could establish only six to eight goals <br />when the City was responsible for much more than that. Administrator Willis suggested that <br />the Council should decide on what is most important and rank the issues. He noted things could <br />be consolidated together if agreed upon. He explained there could be more than six to eight <br />goals but it should remain manageable by staff and Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes expressed concern that too much time and effort focused on one area <br />may allow for other areas to suffer. Administrator Willis stated this could be an issue but <br />encouraged the Council to "keep the main thing the main thing". <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant agreed that there are many issues the Council is dealing with at this time <br />but staff would need to be tasked accordingly, reporting back to Council on a regular basis on <br />progress. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated that in the past some projects were not being completed, which <br />led to more Council interaction with staff and direct involvement. Administrator Willis <br />indicated it was vital to have the proper human resources with proper skill sets to support the <br />City's established goals. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead explained it may not be the governing body's priority to focus on the <br />delegated details but, rather, to deal with the structure and capability of the organization. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant indicated he did not want to get into the details as long as goals were <br />being met. However, when management was not progressing he would like to be aware of the <br />situation. Administrator Willis explained this has elements of trust and competence. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the City staff management along with City policy and procedures. <br />