08/05/1996 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 5, 1996
Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Karen Seel Commissioner
Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager
Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Pamela Skyrme Organizational & Employee Development Director
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. at the Main Library Board Room for the purpose of strategic planning.
A film entitled “Lessons from the New Workplace” was viewed and discussed.
A survey was distributed on which the following three statements were rated:
1. We have a clear vision in which all employees understand and embrace.
2. We do a good job of sharing information.
3. We have positive relationships among our departments and employees.
It was agreed that there is a need for a clear vision. Regarding information sharing and relationships it was agreed that these two areas are improving.
A questionnaire with the following questions was distributed:
1. What do you think the citizens of Clearwater want the City to do for them?
2. What do you think the employees of the City want the City to do for them?
3. What do you think we should do more of?
4. What do you think we should do less of?
5. What are the things we do not do so well?
6. What do you use to judge our performance as a City?
7. How does our performance compare with other places with which you are familiar?
8. What do you consider unique about the City?
The responses to the questionnaire where reviewed.
The meeting recessed from 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Survey results from last year’s strategic planning were reviewed.
Examples of mission statements were distributed. The team brainstormed regarding the need for a mission statement. Some concerns were expressed regarding the possibility of
getting lost in the process rather than developing a meaningful mission statement. Opinions were expressed that the City employees want to know on what the City Commission wants to
place emphasis. It was also stated a mission statement helps define our values and that the mission statement needs to be compared to a vision statement. A concern was expressed that
community input was needed prior to developing a mission statement. Further discussion ensued regarding the mission statement; how meaningful it would be and how long it would be valid?
In response to a question Dr. Skyrme indicated a vision is what it is hoped the City will become; the mission statement deals more with the here and now.
A visioning exercise was distributed and it was requested each team member do the exercise prior to the next meeting, which is scheduled for September 26th at 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Skyrme indicated there was a need to revisit the strategic planning process and if the commission decided that there would be no mission statement the team would need to regroup.
She indicated strategic planning is a process that requires a lot of work.
A concern was expressed that goals and statements could be developed and then two to three years from now the team change. Dr. Skyrme indicated if the citizens are involved and believe
in the mission statement it is less likely a change in the team would change the vision.
The meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.