Ineffective Council Policy Making
I’ve preached for over a year about the lack of communication on public policy issues between the members of the Council. Some like to say that they primarily vote unified but that only applies to non-controversial issues. Where the issue is complicated; they split their votes routinely. So, I’ll rehash some reasons and hope they will consider the information and not the source.
This will sound strange to them but the difference between a study session and an executive session in other cities is one of subject only. In executives the members sit around a table and have a family discussion on a confidential subject. In study sessions they have the same discussion on public policy that is non-confidential. Not in Northglenn. Unfortunately, the present members of the Council and those from recent years have no idea that they are sabotaging their own open communication.
Presently their study sessions are being controlled by their reliance on the staff. Presentation after presentation with the staff leading and the Council reacting is no way for the elected folks to make policy. They have it backward. Staff should be silent unless a member needs their input and then it should be brief. There is the need for staff involvement but what about trying an old fashion procedure. Instead of visual and oral presentations, send all of it to the members several days in advance. Let the members read, think and make notes before the meeting. And, then let the members discuss it in a group setting with the staff and public in quiet attendance.
Another change that should be made lies in the seating arrangement. In the executives they sit around a table and converse. Long speeches and “making points” is not the name of the game. Talking, give and take and the freedom to modify opinions and freely ask questions are. Conducting study sessions from their thrones is a big mistake. They need to get off the dais and converse with each other.
They do have a physical problem with the present council chambers and the lack of a conference room that will also seat the public. If they don’t want to place some tables in the chambers, perhaps they could remove the walls at the back of the room and hallway. The conference room they currently use for executives could be used for the study sessions and the chamber area could seat the public. Turn around a few chairs and presto. Besides, the extra space would be useful since too many of the council meetings are frequently packed with the public. Just an idea for consideration.
The members of the Council also have a tradition of gotcha on controversial issues. You don’t have to introduce a resolution or ordinance to make a point knowing that the majority will vote it down. Just make a speech or a point without a formal document. You’ll get your point across and be on public record. The only items that should be on the agenda for a formal meeting should be those that have been previously discussed at a study session; true emergencies and know routine matters excepted.
I’ve made my speech again. Hopefully the overwhelming majority of the Council will use these comments to start a new era in communication and in the making of public policy.
This will sound strange to them but the difference between a study session and an executive session in other cities is one of subject only. In executives the members sit around a table and have a family discussion on a confidential subject. In study sessions they have the same discussion on public policy that is non-confidential. Not in Northglenn. Unfortunately, the present members of the Council and those from recent years have no idea that they are sabotaging their own open communication.
Presently their study sessions are being controlled by their reliance on the staff. Presentation after presentation with the staff leading and the Council reacting is no way for the elected folks to make policy. They have it backward. Staff should be silent unless a member needs their input and then it should be brief. There is the need for staff involvement but what about trying an old fashion procedure. Instead of visual and oral presentations, send all of it to the members several days in advance. Let the members read, think and make notes before the meeting. And, then let the members discuss it in a group setting with the staff and public in quiet attendance.
Another change that should be made lies in the seating arrangement. In the executives they sit around a table and converse. Long speeches and “making points” is not the name of the game. Talking, give and take and the freedom to modify opinions and freely ask questions are. Conducting study sessions from their thrones is a big mistake. They need to get off the dais and converse with each other.
They do have a physical problem with the present council chambers and the lack of a conference room that will also seat the public. If they don’t want to place some tables in the chambers, perhaps they could remove the walls at the back of the room and hallway. The conference room they currently use for executives could be used for the study sessions and the chamber area could seat the public. Turn around a few chairs and presto. Besides, the extra space would be useful since too many of the council meetings are frequently packed with the public. Just an idea for consideration.
The members of the Council also have a tradition of gotcha on controversial issues. You don’t have to introduce a resolution or ordinance to make a point knowing that the majority will vote it down. Just make a speech or a point without a formal document. You’ll get your point across and be on public record. The only items that should be on the agenda for a formal meeting should be those that have been previously discussed at a study session; true emergencies and know routine matters excepted.
I’ve made my speech again. Hopefully the overwhelming majority of the Council will use these comments to start a new era in communication and in the making of public policy.
posted by Gene Wieneke at
1:44 PM
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