HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-GPA-2013-01-16GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff - Chair
6:00 p.m. January 16, 2013
Alderpersons (4) Murtagh, Proulx, McCollister, Smith
Mayor Myrick
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk — Conley Holcomb
Public Information Writer — Jason Tucker
Approval of the Minutes of the December 19, 2012 GPA Committee Meeting -
Resolution
This item was deferred to the February 20, 2013 meeting.
Performance Measurement Development
City Report Card
Chair Mohlenhoff showcased the Report Card of Walnut Creek, California. She
highlighted the connection between the budget priorities and the performance
measurement data that is collected throughout the year. Discussion followed on the
floor regarding the creation of over - arching goals through the development of a strategic
plan and the corresponding performance categories.
PIO Writer Jason Tucker presented the final draft of the 2012 City Report Card.
Committee members offered editorial comments and corrections. Mr. Tucker requested
that further edits be forwarded to him as soon as possible as distribution of the Report
Card is slated for Friday, January 18tH
Charter and Code Revisions
Analysis of Boards /Committees /Liaisons
Chair Mohlenhoff led a brainstorming session on how to approach the reorganization of
the City's volunteer committee structure. The committee decided to divide this project
into two phases:
Phase I — Common Council Liaison responsibilities. A survey will be sent to Common
Council members with the goal of obtaining information on what the various
expectations are for different committees (ie. Is the liaison a voting member, what role
does the liaison fill, is the liaison expected to serve on sub - committees, does the liaison
count for a quorum, etc.)
Phase II — How does the City manage and organize volunteers? This phase will be
conducted after the upcoming Council /Senior Staff retreat and will analyze what the City
wants /expects from the committees, is there an overlap of duties, how do committees fit
GPA Committee
January 16, 2013
within the organization framework, how do they get direction, what is their reporting
mechanism, etc.
Further discussion followed regarding:
• How issues get brought to Common Council and the idea of having a "Research
Commission" that would study and `flesh out" issues and forward them on to
Council for consideration.
• Should a communication model be developed for boards and committees to
facilitate updates to the Mayor and Common Council.
Common Council Training and Development
Common Council Rules of Procedures:
Alderpersons Smith and McCollister volunteered to work with City Clerk Holcomb on
updating the Common Council Rules of Procedures. The Tri -Chair Committee will work
on updating the language in the Rules regarding standing committee process, and the
City Administration Committee will work on language that updates the budget meeting
processes.
Common Council Orientation:
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the development of a training program that
would be open to elected officials, board and committee members, and staff. A
suggestion was made to select a standing date and time when monthly sessions could
be held with rotating topics vs. a day -long program. These training sessions could also
be made available on -line as either a self - guiding program or a video of the live session.
The committee suggested additional topics that should be added to the existing
Common Council Orientation Program such as planning and development topics:
historic districts, zoning, site plan review processes, variances etc.
The committee will review the current training structure and learning priorities at the
February meeting and work to identify a training schedule and format.
Meeting Wrap -Up:
Announcements, Review Agenda Items for Next Meeting
Alderperson Murtagh reported that the Communications Sub - Committee met and began
discussions on the Taxi Ordinance revisions. Discussions will be held with County
Administrator Joe Mareane and Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Executive
Director Jean McPheeters about the advantages of pursuing a regional approach to
taxicab zones and rate structures.
Alderperson Murtagh further reported that the Communications Sub - Committee is
recommending revisions to the City's Social Media Policy to address the issue of the
use of social media by City boards and committees and how it impacts Open Meetings
Law, City liability issues, etc.
GPA Committee
January 16, 2013
Chair Mohlenhoff reminded everyone that the Common Council / Senior Staff retreat is
scheduled for Friday, February 8th from 1 — 5 pm and Saturday, February 9th from 9 am
— 12 pm in Common Council Chambers.
Chair Mohlenhoff noted that she has a conflict with the March 20th GPA Committee
meeting date and inquired about possibly rescheduling it. The committee will discuss
this matter further at the February meeting.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb, CIVIC
City Clerk
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Deborah Mohlenhoff
Chair