8/28/1997 - Penny for Pinellas
CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 28, 1997
Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Karen Seel Commissioner
Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager
Richard L. Hedrick Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Tina Wilson Budget Director
Arlitta Hallam Library Director
Carrie Huntley Community Outreach Manager
Pamela Skyrme Org. & Emp.Development Director
Scott Shuford Director of Central Permitting
Ream Wilson Parks &Recreation Director
Margie Simmons Finance Director
Rich Baier City Engineer
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:21 a.m. at the Sailing Center for the purpose of
discussing priorities of Penny for Pinellas Projects.
Organizational & Employee Development Director Pamela Skyrme facilitated the
meeting. Attendees formed individual groups to create a drawing within a specified timeframe
without speaking to one another. The individual groups joined together into one large group to
discuss the drawings. The exercise was a lesson in working together.
The meeting recessed from 10:05 to 10:17 a.m.
It was remarked that at first it was difficult to communicate without speech during the
course of the exercise. However, once the tone was set, individuals participated through the
use of hand gestures and body language. Some assumptions had to be made due to the lack
of verbal communication. It was noted that dangers can exist by following along with what is
initially introduced, as the end result could be completely different than originally anticipated if
there no clear direction is given. Trends can be started and built upon through teamwork. The
purpose of the exercise was to stress the message and the purpose of the effort being exerted
to achieve specific goals. Small groups’ results may differ from large groups’ s results, as
working together to accomplish common goals is more effective.
The meeting recessed from 11:14 to 11:40 a.m.
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City Manager Mike Roberto cited two areas he has observed since his tenure with the
City: 1) The community and the City Commission both have a strong desire to accomplish
their goals, and 2) The processes that are set up to accomplish those goals must be
implemented. He noted that when issues are unclear, it is natural to become reactionary. The
planning process is important to each City department in order to accomplish team success.
As processes are developed, it will be important to obtain public input prior to proceeding with
goals and objectives. The process of how to better involve the community and City employees
requires in-depth discussion.
A question and answer period ensued regarding projects and priorities for the City of
Clearwater. City staff asked questions and the City Commission responded.
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
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