Agenda - Council - 05/09/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Musgrove stated that these seem to be two separate thoughts. Councilmember Woestehoff explained that this is where action items come into plan as there are internal engagement and external engagement. Councilmember Specht stated that transparency and accountability is more than just through communication. Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if adding this could be as simple as commitment to increase or promote transparency and accountability. Councilmember Musgrove stated she liked the idea. Councilmember Howell agreed and stated that it otherwise seems like a subset and is being lost so she would like to see it separated out to some degree. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that the goal seems to be making sure that the citizens know what the City is doing and the City is being held accountable. He stated that having a commitment to this is a strong understanding as mistakes do happen. Councilmember Olson stated that the transparency and accountability piece all come through one way or another. He stated that he would tie it to improving communication as it is cohesive. City Administrator Hagen shared his thoughts of dropping the strategy of improving the City's communication as a subset and recognize action plans to improve the communication under increase transparency and accountability. Councilmember Musgrove asked for clarification that improving the City's communication is more of an action versus a strategy. City Administrator Hagen explained that if the objective is to have a citizen -focused government and connected and engaged community, this would accomplished by having good transparency and accountability, and in order to have this there are various communication efforts. Councilmember Musgrove shared that other than separating this to address internal and external communication, she still thinks that these items are two separate strategies. City Administrator Hagen argued that unless they feel as though the City's communication is still needing a lot of improvements, a lot of efforts have already been made to satisfy the statement of improving this and it becomes more of a question of how this can be expanded upon. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that it relates to the item before it of strengthening and enhancing the City's identity, brand, and image. Councilmember Specht asked if changing these words will change the day-to-day and what they do. City Council Special Work Session /April 24, 2023 Page 8 of 21