City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook
35 2) Are environmentally sustainable.
3) Integrate equity into our decisions, considering how decisions affect people differently based on their identity or circumstances.
4) Make decisions that create a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all. 5) Safeguard public trust through transparent practices and open communication. 6) Embrace innovation.
(b) Annual Council Priorities
Priorities Background and Definition
The Council adopted its first Council priorities in 1986. Each year the Council reviews its priorities at its Annual Council Retreat. On October 1, 2012 the Council formally adopted the definition of a Council priority, and the Council’s process and guidelines for selection of priorities.
There is a goal of no more than three to four priorities per year and priorities generally have a two‐ to three‐year time limit. Council can identify two to three specific objectives within a priority.
A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year. This varies from a Council value which is defined as an enduring goal and intention to guide the work of the Council. The values (shared above) allow the Council to maintain these enduring intentions while also selecting annual priorities that reflect shorter‐ term projects and goals.
Purpose
The establishment of Council priorities will assist the Council and staff to better allot and utilize time for discussion and decision making.
Process
In advance of the annual Council Retreat, staff will solicit input from the Council on the priorities to be reviewed and considered for the following year.
1) Councilmembers may submit up to three priorities.
2) Priorities should be submitted no later than December 1. 3) As applicable, the City Manager will contact newly elected officials for their input by December 1.
4) The City Manager and the City Clerk will solicit for the public to share proposed priorities prior to the Council retreat. The Policy and Services Committee shall recommend to the Council which suggestions if any shall be considered at the Council retreat. 5) Staff will collect and organize the recommended priorities into a list for Council consideration and provide to Council in the packet for the Council retreat.