02-05-09 Council Retreat - Brainstorming Session #1

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Council Retreat Minutes of February 5, 2009 Page 5 • Communication -which starts among ourselves • Putting issues on the table • Transparency • Need for structure and communication Council Member White added that she often asks why is she on a Standing Committee, what are their goals, etc. Council Member Oliver Davis stated that all nine Council Members need to have the opportunity to be a part of the team. All need to work to come together better. Council Member Kirsits stated that there has to be a starting point. The Council can be a cheerleader or a leader. Seeking greater efficiencies in fight of limited resources should always be one of the Council s goals. He noted that the Mayor said it best when he stated that ~~there has to be a mix of everything for the betterment of South Bend". Council Member Kirsits stated that tonight is a good beginning and the Administration will be brought in later. Council President Dieter stated that he has been dealing with the Mayor and that these internal work sessions are works in progress. He stated that we all need to help each other if the process is to be successful and referred back to power point slide # 23 addressing ~~Tasks Ahead" and the setting of priorities and reaching a consensus of the Council. Council Member Puzzello noted that she had previously stated when the dates for the Council Retreat were being selected that she would be unable to attend the February 12th meeting due to a prior commitment. She stated that she would like handouts from that session. Council President Dieter assured Council Member Puzzello that she would have the handouts and the minutes from the next work session. Council President Dieter then called upon Mayor Luecke for an update. Mayor Luecke stated that he and six other Mayors were in Washington, D.C. as part of TACT. They met with legislative members and staff members with their primary goal being the asking