April 23, 2024
Department
DATE: April 23, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shasa Curl, City Manager
Nickie Mastay, Deputy City Manager, Internal Services
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager, Community
Services
Patrick Seals, Project Manager
Subject:
City Council and City Staff Effective Communication
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
November 14, 2023
September 27, 2023
June 15, 2023
May 31, 2023
May 22, 2023
May 16, 2023
April 4, 2023
November 8, 2022
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
During the City Council goal and priority setting sessions, City Council members expressed interest in holding a
special meeting to discuss effective communication
between City Council and City staff.
AGENDA
REPORT
April 23, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DISCUSS and CONSIDER enhanced protocols for
effective communication and collective efficacy between City Council and City staff – City Manager’s Office
(Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
Background
On November 8, 2022, the City Manager’s Office released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit qualified professional facilitators experienced in working with elected officials or bodies for City Council team building and community strategic planning. After all responses were scored, City staff presented a proposed contract to host a City Council teambuilding retreat and to develop a City-wide strategic plan on April 4, 2023.
The City Council did not approve the proposed contract; however, they did emphasize the importance of setting priorities and goals.
Subsequently, the City Manager’s Office recommended working with The Gardner Group, LLC., to facilitate the goal-setting session. Henry Gardner, from the Gardner Group, LLC., facilitated various special City Council meetings to establish City Council Goals and Priorities, and noted that Councilmembers requested an additional meeting to discuss developing protocols to better support effective communication, as well as City Council Rules of Procedure and Order.
The City Council at Special Meeting on November 14, 2023, discussed and proposed modifications to the Richmond City Council Rules of Procedures and Order. However, the City Council did not complete discussions regarding protocols for effective communication and enhanced efficacy between themselves and staff.
In preparation to facilitate the discussion, Mr. Gardner interviewed the Mayor, City Councilmembers, City Manager, and the Management Leadership Team to better understand the needs of each to facilitate improved communication and collective efficacy.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – April 23 2024 Meeting Agenda