Agenda - Charter Commission - 09/19/2013

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND Our complex and dynamic world creates new challenges for all types of organizations. The City of Ramsey is no exception. 2012 was a tumultuous year for the city — significant staff transitions and turnover, a highly contested city election, and a major development (The COR at Ramsey) that continues to be a drain on the city's resources. The City Council in January 2013 acknowledged that the city could benefit by developing a strategic direction that guides its decision - making in the coming years. The decision was motivated by the lack of trust between the elected officials and staff, the financial challenges, and the need for the city to become a proactive organization rather than a reactive one. The City of Ramsey could not afford to continue governing and operating as it has — and it was imperative that the elected officials and staff develop an effective working relationship. The City of Ramsey, its community members, elected officials and staff, deserve "A New Beginning...A New Day. 11 Tumultuous times create the opportunity to think conventionally or unconventionally. The planning partners (City of Ramsey elected officials and city departments, and the consulting firm) did both. Challenging times gave us the gift of opportunity to assess the City of Ramsey - candidly and thoroughly. The City Council hired Duckor & Associates to help develop this Three - Year Strategic Action Plan. The key benefits of the comprehensive planning process were: • Achieving a shared strategic framework • Achieving a shared understanding of clear roles, responsibilities and deliverables for elected officials and staff • Building trust among the elected officials and staff • Achieving goal consensus that directs the City of Ramsey's work efforts • Articulating doable objectives • Maximizing effective use of resources • Energizing the team leadership and enhancing teamwork. Duckor& Associates •, • • • Page 3 of 17