HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7166 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7166
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t4fok' To the Mayor and Members of the City Council January 27, 1987
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Subject: CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
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The spirit of volunteerism which has brought so many public benefits to the
Fort Worth community is well-appreciated by the City Council. One essential
aspect of vounteer service is the effort contributed by each member of our
City advisory boards and commissions. The citizens who provide the City with
the benefit of their time and energy through service on such bodies play a
vital role in the governance of Fort Worth.
Supporting and strengthening the linkages between City boards and City Coun-
cil, and between boards and City staff, is an area of city management that has
not received the degree of attention it warrants given the importance of the
relationships involved to the functioning of the city. The staff would like
to suggest the initiation of several efforts aimed at helping our boards and
commissions maximize their potential contributions.
The first suggestion is for a Council-hosted luncheon in honor of the Chair-
persons of our boards and commissions. This forum will allow the Mayor and
Councilmembers the opportunity to directly express appreciation for the on-
going service of their citizens. A possible date for such a luncheon is
Thursday, February 19, 1987.
Second, the luncheon would be followed, over the course of the next few
months, by a needs assessment survey of board and commission members. The
results of this survey would provide the boards, the Council, and the staff
with ideas for improvements in the areas identified. It would be appropriate,
after the analysis of the survey results and the development of a plan of
action, to hold another luncheon for board and commission chairpersons to dis-
cuss proposed improvement strategies.
Third, it is suggested that an evening ceremony be held in the near future to
thank all current board and commission members for their continuing efforts.
No particular time frame is recommended for such an event at present.
These beginning steps will no doubt lead us in the appropriate directions for
bettering all aspects of board and commission involvement in City government.
The resources of the City will be made available to assist our board members,
whether it be in developing orientation programs for new appointees or in con-
ducting periodic workshops around objectives such as improving communications.
It is important that the key role of city boards and commissions be recognized
by all of us and that we make a long-term commitment to helping these bodies
function in the best manner possible.
If the suggestions outlined in this report seem in order, the staff will pro-
ceed to make the necessary arrangements.
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Cit anager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS