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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-19 Special Minutes - City Council RetreatCity of Tukwila City Council 2019 Council Retreat Meeting Summary January 19 & 20, 2019 Fairhaven Room, Fairhaven Village Inn 1200 10th St Bellingham, WA 98225 Saturday, January 19, 2019 PRESENT Kathy Hougardy, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan, Laurel Humphrey Council President Hougardy called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. and welcomed attendees. She reviewed the agenda and asked attendees to contribute ground rules, reiterating that no decisions would be made during the weekend. As an ice breaker activity, each attendee shared a personal and professional fact about themselves. Committee Work Plans/Staff Work Plan Staff distributed preliminary work plans for each standing committee and led a discussion on committee activity in the year ahead. Work plans outline anticipated items for the year and are subject to change. Councilmember Hougardy noted that she is planning a joint meeting for the Council and City Administration in February and this will be an opportunity to ask more questions and seek alignment on work plan priorities. In addition to regular duties, the Council Analyst plans to complete a meeting procedures update as well as create more complete written documentation of her job duties. Community Engagement in 2019 Councilmembers discussed opportunities for effective community engagement. The Town Hall and Senior Chat in 2018 were effective and similar opportunities should be explored in 2019. Location ideas include the Foster High Performing Arts Center, Showalter cafeteria, Islamic Center, and in the Ryan Hill neighborhood. Whenever possible, Councilmembers should educate the public on the role of Council vs Administration. Other items included updated Council portraits and brochure, including additional information on business cards, fact -based response to social media conversations, additional advisory committees, and participation at parent/student nights at local schools. Councilmembers discussed the order of public comment on the meeting agenda, which can be amended on a case by case basis or revisited as part of the rules update. 6zoo Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington • 98188 - Tel: zo6-433-1800 • www.tukwilawa.gov 2019 Council Retreat Summary page 2 Equity Training Councilmembers discussed the idea of convening a Council equity training in 2019, and all present were in favor. Interaction with State Legislators Councilmembers were in support of meeting with state legislators, and Council Hougardy will work to arrange a lunch meeting later this year. Board and Commissions Councilmembers would like the Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee to review the process for appointments and reappointments to commissions. Staff will gather information from other cities regarding appointments, term limits, and reporting to Council. The City Council adjourned for a lunch break at noon and came back to order at 1:00 p.m. Workshop - Effective Council Meetings Ann Macfarlane, Principal, Jurassic Parliament, led a workshop that covered the following topics: • Meeting debate, Point of Order, and Appeal • Inappropriate remarks • Authority and role of chair and members • Why do we need Rules? • Discussion about discussion • Parliamentary procedure • Relations with staff • Public Comment Council President Hougardy requested that attendees write something that they admire or appreciate about all other attendees in preparation for the next day's meeting. Sunday, January 20, 2019 PRESENT Kathy Hougardy, Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan, Laurel Humphrey Council President Hougardy called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and the affirmations were read aloud. 2019 Council Retreat Summary page 3 Recap of Workshop Councilmembers discussed the suggestions offered by Ann Macfarlane at the Saturday workshop, particularly length of Councilmember speeches, public comment, limiting Council reports to city business, and implementing rules about cell phone use on the dais. Some of these suggestions will be incorporated into the meeting procedures update to be completed this year, while others will not be formally implemented but considered guidelines. Future Retreats Councilmembers discussed the purpose of the annual retreat and pros and cons of meeting offsite and/or out of town. Future Council Presidents will continue to set the agenda and location of the retreat. Travel Budget Staff reminded Council that the annual budget for travel was reduced for 2019-2020 and travel decisions should be made thoughtfully. School Board Meeting Council President Hougardy requested input on the format of a joint meeting with the School Board this spring. All agreed the agenda should be relevant to both bodies and it should be a discussion between the Council and the Board with Administration staff in the audience to provide support if requested. Wrap-up and Adjourn Each attendee shared a personal thought or goal for the year. The 2019 Tukwila City Council retreat was adjourned at 10:46 a.m.