A comprehensive, multi-layered approach to improving government coordination
Read the final draft of the Governance Manual
which will be presented for acceptance at the March 10 City Council meeting
To comment on the manual, send an email or call 780-8632. |
The major purpose of the governance coordination review project is to simultaneously review and confirm or modify the important ways we do business, from the Director level to City Manager and Council. The project seeks to draft, edit and formally adopt a Governance Manual for the City of Bainbridge Island.
The Governance Manual does not seek to deal with major current issues outside of the mechanical and process foundation of our form of government, but instead focuses on developing a current, published manual to be utilized as a reliable resource. The book contains answers to most questions about the foundational operating policies of the City in an easy-to-read, user-friendly format.
The process includes a thorough review of all functions of government at the elected and top management levels and some interrelated departmental functions.
For lasting results, coordination of governance function is best when periodically revisited in a comprehensive – not piecemeal – fashion. Cities often overlook this need to revisit legislative/executive team relationships and policies to be sure that all (especially new) officials understand the rules and relationships peculiar to that city’s form of government.
The Process:
Step one: Consultation (Nov.-Dec. 2009)
Interim Deputy City Manager Stan McNutt (“the facilitator”) conducted private interviews with each Councilmember, including Councilmembers-elect. The combined perspective, thus gained, helps the facilitator apply more customized attention to particular local needs or culture.
Step two: Seminar for Council and staff (Jan. 9, 2010)
The facilitator conducted a one-day seminar on Effective, Responsive Council/Manager Government, concentrating on training for least experienced members. This seminar also served as a “refresher” for more experienced Councilmembers. Public and press were invited.
The “Governance Coordination Manual” process was introduced as the review platform dealing with most policies, inter-dependent functions and relationships from the director level and up.
Step three: Developing a “Governance Coordination Manual” (Jan.-March 2010)
Process coordination by the facilitator is integrated into regular interim management duties.
The facilitator first works with the Council governance ad-hoc committee to develop a first draft discussion model. It will also incorporate all existing policies and legal mandates applicable to Council/Manager government.
Council study sessions (workshops) begin review and modification discussions which continue until all policies of the manual have consensus. Top management staff periodically review and comment on sections having a bearing on their functions. The City Attorney reviews and comments on each drafting stage of the project through and including final adoption.
Goal: Final production, adoption and publication of the updated “City of Bainbridge Island Governance Coordination Manual.” Because this is a very thorough and comprehensive policy manual which requires a great deal of Council and staff time, it must be comfortably integrated into the regular and routine schedules of the policy makers and staff. Startup to adoption and publication can take up to 4 months.
When adopted by resolution, certain portions of the manual become legislative acts which are to be followed until changed or modified by the City Council.
