5.3. SR 03-08-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ ~. Don't be misled by the strong demands of special interest groups who want it done now, their way. 'dour job is to find the long-term public inferest of the community as a whole, and you nay be hearing from the wrong people. 12- Don't rush to audg~nent. dew anal actions have to be Taken at the first meeting at which they are considered, .void "crisis managernent~" 13, Don't be afraid of change. Don't be content to just follow the routine of your predecessors. charge your appointed officers and employees with berg responsible for new ideas and better ways. Listen to what They have to say, 14. Don's give ~,uick answers when you a~~e not sure of the real answer, ~~ maybe embarrassing to appear ignorant, but it can be more embarrassing, and damaging, to tell a person something which is wrong, 15- 1~s an individual, even if you a~•e the mayor, don't make promises you cata't deliverl lost decisions and actions require approval of the govexni~g body, and ~iis fakes a majority vote. 16. remember that you. have legal authority as a governing body n~en~ber only when the governing body is ~ legal session, 17. Don't spring surprises vn your fellow gove~•ning body members or your city staff, especially at formal n~eeti~ngs- ~~ a uaatter is worth bxingi.ng up for disGUSSion, it's worth being on the agenda, surprises may get you some publicity, at the embarrassment of others, but They fend to erode the "team" approach to governance. 18, paa~ticipate in official meetings with the dignity and decor~.n fitting those who hold a position of public dust, personal dress and courteous behavior at meetings help create an environment far making sound public decisions. 1 ~. conduct your official public meetings with some formality, and follow rules of procedure. have an agenda, and follow it- host governing body members agree that foz~nal meetings expedite the process and promote better decision making. Z~- Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is one of the ways we lea~~. but do your homework by studying agenda material before meetings, ~ 1 • Vote yes or no an naations, Don't cop out by abstaining excopt when you have a conflict of interest. A. pass does not relieve you of responsibility when some decision must be made. Z~. ~Ce a majo~xty decision of tae governing body has been made, respect that o~'ficial pas~t~on and defend it if needed, even ifyou personally disag~•eed. ~3, ~.espect the lette~• and intent of the open meetings law, but also .keep private and confidential matters to yourself, Don't gossip. 24. detain competent, key employees, pay them well, trust their professional ju~dgment~, and recognize their authority and responsibilities. Z5- Don't bypass the system! xf you. have a manager or other chief adxn~i.strative officer, sticl~ to policy making and avoid personal ~.volvement in the day~toeday opera~.ons of the municipality. if you do not have an adt~i.nistxative officer, make 14