HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/02/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes
City council workshop
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
February 15 and 16, 2024
February 15, 2024: The workshop convened at 5:30 p.m. at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Mohamed, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda
Farris, Paul Baudhuin, and Margaret Rog
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), and deputy city clerk
(Ms. Scott-Lerdal)
Guests: Jan Williams
City council participated in a workshop and discussed the following items:
•Jan Williams presented on the concepts from the book “StrengthsFinder 2.0” by Don
Clifton
•City council norms were reviewed and discussed.
•City council communication styles and preferences were discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
February 16, 2024:The workshop convened at 8:30 a.m. at Westwood Hills Nature Center
Councilmembers present: Mayor Mohamed, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda
Farris, Paul Baudhuin, and Margaret Rog
Staff present: Community development director (Ms. Barton), administrative services director
(Ms. Brodeen), finance director (Ms. Cruver), naturalist (Ms. Fleck), public works director (Mr.
Hall), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), race, equity and inclusion specialist (Ms. Hernandez),
building and energy director (Mr. Hoffman), city manager (Ms. Keller), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy),
fire chief (Mr. Koering), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy finance
director (Mr. Olson), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), communications and technology
director (Ms. Smith), organizational development coordinator (Ms. Smith), HR director (Ms.
Vorpahl), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), and parks and recreation director (Mr. West)
Guests: Consultant Benjamin V. Burgess, Ph.D.
Council and staff participated in the following learning and development activities and
discussions:
•Finance director Amelia Cruver presented on the topic of public purpose doctrine. She
gave specific examples for public benefit doctrine. The group held discussions about
scenarios and legal boundaries as a whole and in small groups.
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City council workshop -2-Feb. 15 and 16, 2024
•City attorney Soren Mattick presented on the city’s organization and structure and the
authority, regulations and boundaries provided by both state statute and the city
charter. The group discussed the systems in place to address common concerns and
issues, and elected officials can educate constituents to use the processes and resources
already in place.
o Mr. Mattick shared how his work as city attorney supports the city and elected
officials, including statutory limits, ordinance intention, conflict of interest and
upholding the laws of the city.
•Ms. Keller and Mr. Mattick presented on the Rules of Civility. The group discussed
situations and worked together, using general procedures on public discourse, to
determine best practices for demonstrating an atmosphere of respect in council
meetings.
•Ms. Hernandez presented on the Race Equity Impact Analysis tool. She led the group in
a discussion, using the REI Analysis tool to examine how the Rules of Civility serve to
benefit or burden those who are engaged in the conversation. The group also
considered unintended consequences and mitigation opportunities.
•Dr. Burgess presented a Race, Equity and Inclusion intensive session focused on the
foundation of storytelling and the importance of names in indigenous communities.
•Ms. Fleck gave a brief presentation on the science behind the experience of enjoying
nature, leading the group in a short reflection period to acknowledge the beauty of the
Westwood Hills Nature Center facility and trail.
The workshop was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
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