HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Rauch Board Workshop i
Agenda Item #
, ffim�
uu 01-3
Workshop
To: Board of Directors
From: Peter Hoizmeister
Date: January 26, 2006
Subject: Board workshop to discuss mission
Why this matter is before the Board: The last time Bob Rauch facilitated a Board workshop, we
talked about the job of the Board and clarifying a process for Board involvement in budget review. At
that time we agreed that it would be beneficial to have Bob return shortly after the first of the year to
lead a workshop on District mission and values. This matter is before the Board to schedule that next
workshop.
History: We have conducted two workshops during the past year to help focus our thinking and
define the role of the Board and staff. Attached are the notes from the last workshop.
The first half of the workshop involved a description of the job of the Board of Directors:
1. Representing the public
2. Knowing the District
3. Providing direction
4. Communicating with the public
As I think back over the past several months, it appears that the Board and staff have begun to deal
with the first two jobs, although by no means have we fully completed those tasks.
1. Representing the public: We have conducted televised meetings, held public hearings,
published information in the news media and invited the public to comment on our plans. The
Board has conducted an extensive debate over proposed rate increases that impact customer
household budgets. Clearly there is more to do.
2. Knowing the District: We conducted a series of workshops in August and September at which
department heads described the tasks performed by their departments. We talked at length
about programs that are mandated by State law. We discussed problems and reviewed ways
to deal with them. Clearly there is more to do.
We now need to move on to jobs three and four. We need to describe a process by which the Board
can provide direction by articulating the District's mission and values, goals and objectives. We also
need to better define a method for communicating with our customers during the next year or two.
New information: I have spoken with Bob Rauch and he has a few available dates in February. I
would like us to pick a date when we are all able to attend the workshop and then confirm it with Bob.
t
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Peter Holzmeister
Date: April 30, 2005
Subject: Board Planning Workshop
What is the job of the Board of Djrectors?
• Job 1: Represent the public
Public
Responsibility Authority
Do what is necessary Take what is necessary
Accountability
Tell us what you are doing and why
Who is the "Public"
o Founders
o Electors
o Customers
o Bill Payers
Owners
z
1
Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05
f
• Job 2: Know the District
o Where the District is
o Whom it serves
o What it does
o Financial picture
o Customer relations
Know the "laws" that affect you
o Brown Act
o Cal Osha
o CEQA Federal and State
o Ethics
o Labor law
o Policies
o Ordinances District
o Practices
Know about the other governmental entities
o Seven Special Districts
o Town
o County
o Regulators
o Legislation
o LAFCo
o Feds
Tune in on other entities
Y
f
F,
l
Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05 `'
• Job 3: Provide direction
Vision Mission — why do we exist?
Where are we headed = what is our role?
Values
What counts most?
1 1 1 1 1
Objectives, Issues, Goals
l 1 1 1 1
Strategic Planning
Short Term Planning
o Lawsuit
o Opportunity
o Purchase of real property
s
l
3
3 Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05
Providing Direction
= relationship between the Board and the General Manager
Board General Manager Board
Plans
Policies Implements goals Results
Provides resources Works the roadmap Monitoring reports
Assets
People
Directors Reports
Re-directs
i
i
4 Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05
• Job 4: Communicate with the stakeholders
C
Manager
Board
°Y
}
F
5
5 Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05
A revised process for Board meetings
1. Seek to remove routine items from the Board agenda. Limit number of agenda items.
2. Staff to improve its staff reports by explaining the main considerations that went into staff
decisions/recommendations.
3. Critical items will be dealt with during in-depth Board discussions-plans, policies, major
finances, etc.
4. Establish parameters that guide the staff in taking actions.
5. When projects are complete, staff will provide a comprehensive report on the results of
the project.
6. Board will focus on providing clear goals, specific limits on staff actions and ultimately on
customer benefit.
Ditto on financial issues- including the Budget
6 Board Planning Workshop 4-30-05