HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 01-8-11Arlington City Council Retreat River Rock Inn January 8, 2011
Present: Mayor Larson, Steve Baker, Dick Butner, Linda Byrnes, Chris Raezer, Scott
Solla, Sally Lien, Marilyn Oertle, Allen Johnson, Nelson Beazley, Paul Ellis, David Kuhl,
Bill Blake, Rob Putnam, Vic Ericson, Kristin Banfield, Jim Kelly, Jim Chase, Loretta
Cortelyou and Steve Peiffle. There were no visitors or media present.
The Arlington City Council Retreat began at 8 AM with a team -building exercise.
From the Council's list of issues sent to facilitator Steve Peiffle, the group discussed the
following:
1. Communication issues or concerns
The City Council addressed some of their concerns they had with regards to items
placed on agenda without adequate conversation beforehand.
2. City Council members Code of Conduct
There was discussion regarding how the Council treats the staff directly or
indirectly when there is a perceived problem.
Continue to be "soft on people, hard on issues."
3. City Council education on Financial Issues and the Process of Balancing the
Budget
Some Council members still feel they do not understand the Budget. Discussion
on this topic included ongoing training provided by AWC on this subject.
4. Staffing needs & issues
There was a considerable amount of discussion with regards to the timing of the
health care information for employees which caused some unrest with the
employees.
There was also some discussion about a union formation among some of the
employees.
Staff was praised on cost-cutting in all departments and their willingness to work
short-staffed through this economic downturn.
Discussion continued about the needs for additional staff and equipment,
specifically in Public Safety.
5. Economic Development
There was a lengthy discussion with regards to Economic Development and what
the City is doing to prepare during this "down time."
6. Fireworks in Arlington
There was a very brief discussion with regards to banning fireworks. Due to
financing and the need for County, City and Tribes cooperation, the City is not
able to pursue the banning of fireworks at this time.
7. Graafstra Propertyplans
Discussions coming through the PARC now.
8. Parks issues
The group spent a considerable amount of time on upcoming Parks plans now in
different stages of planning processes. Those included:
-Restrooms at Legion Park
-Bridge of Flowers
-Graafstra property
-Round House and barn area
-Haller Park
-Hospital Trail
-Centennial Trail
9. Capital facilities planning for public safety
The Police and Fire are putting together Capital Facilities Plans to bring to the
City Council by the end of the year.
While the EMS Levy is the important issue for now, the Public Safety CFP must
be in place by the end of 2012.
10. Short review on the progress on the City's 2010 Goals and Policies
There was some brief discussion and the Council felt they would like for staff to
update 2011 Goals at an upcoming workshop and then bring forward for
adoption.
11. Future Retreats
It was suggested that the group meet again in May to plan goals for the upcoming
year and meet again in January following the November elections. This gives any
incoming Counci]VMayor an update to the process.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM due to inclement weather.