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City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and rationale to recommend approval of a <br />three -year Strategic Action Plan, Governance Plan, and Organizational Assessment to assist the <br />City in becoming a high - performing organization. <br />Mayor Strommen referenced Page 8, the list of six deliverables, and stated she views this as an <br />investment in the City to lay a foundation in addition to the Three -Year Strategic Action Plan. <br />She stated she had worked with Ms. Duckor previously and found that performance <br />measurements are a critical component for the Council to hold itself accountable. In addition, it <br />will create transparency on the direction the Council is heading and accountability with the <br />performance measures. Mayor Strommen stated she hopes that accountability and transparency <br />can be tied to budgeting so if the budget is not raised, the Council needs to determine what is to <br />be cut from the budget. <br />Anita Duckor, Duckor and Associates, congratulated the Council and thanked them for their <br />public service to put Ramsey back on a positive note. She agreed the process needed to be tied <br />to the budget and it is important to have all marching towards a common direction including <br />elected officials, appointed Commissioners, and staff. She stated she has provided her bio and a <br />detailed proposal for review, and offered to answer questions. <br />Councilmember Backous asked about the process, whether it is user friendly, and will be <br />followed up in Years Two and Three. <br />Ms. Duckor indicated it will be user friendly and include an Action Plan, strategic initiatives, <br />measurements, due dates, and resources. The City Council will be able to govern by it and <br />Commissions will understand their components as will staff. She noted that with certain <br />projects, the City will see synergy crossing many departments. Ms. Duckor stated the City will <br />not need to bring her back for subsequent years but during the initial process she will guide and <br />direct, and ask tough questions if the process is not getting to crucial issues. She stated the City <br />will own it and have to make themselves accountable. Ms. Duckor noted the process will give <br />the City the framework to extend beyond three years if everyone does their part. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he is excited about this process, which has not been done for six to <br />seven years. He felt there had been significant damage to the organization, creating mistrust, <br />problems, break downs, and discomfort. Councilmember Elvig noted it will take time to get that <br />comfort back and Ms. Duckor will be stepping into the middle of that situation. He asked how <br />the process will make all comfortable with exposing the problems, noting it has to be direct and <br />forthright. He also asked how to assure the process is upbeat and positive. <br />Ms. Duckor explained the "lion's share" of investment is around staff. She will spend time with <br />staff and conduct an online survey for all staff members. Ms. Duckor assured the Council that <br />the process will not go negative relating to image and they will make it a new beginning, a new <br />day. She stated the Council needs to understand the roles, responsibilities and deliverables, and <br />she will be asking questions on how it can be improved so all have a voice. Ms. Duckor <br />explained there will be a working team and nothing will be done without that input and their <br />review and debriefing. She indicated that whether or not she is hired, there is a six -month <br />City Council Work Session / January 8, 2013 <br />Page 5 of 7 <br />