RES NO. 2018-13 APPROVING THE MANUAL OF CITY GOVERNANCECity of Bainbridge Island Manual of City Governance – Adopted April 10, 2018 Page 4
2.4 Efficiency and Effectiveness of Council Decision-Making
2.4.1 Council Makes Effective Use of Time
Council differentiates among four types of public meetings: (1) goal-setting retreats (sometimes
called “advances”); (2) Study Sessions; (3) Business Meetings; (4) single-issue workshops; (5)
public communications meetings and forums.
2.4.2 Opportunity for Public Interaction
Typically, during Business Meetings public comments on any topic relating to City business are
taken at the outset of the meeting and public comments are taken in the course of
consideration of each matter under study at the meeting. Each public comment should usually
be limited to three minutes. In order to allow the Council to more efficiently and effectively
study issues during its limited Study Session time, public comment is generally not taken during
Study Sessions. Councilmembers may also receive public comments via email or other written
communications.
2.4.3 Council’s Business Meetings Will Be Efficient and Businesslike
The information exchange, review, deliberation and vetting of issues during the prior Study
Session enables Council business meetings to be expeditious.
2.4.4 Effective Decision Making Requires Finality
Rules shall limit the prerogative to reconsider a Council decision; effective decision-making
results in finality and “moving on”.
2.4.5 Council Dialog Calls For “Sticking to the Point”
The Presiding Officer’s role, especially at the business meeting, is to keep Council business
focused and expeditious.
2.4.6 Council Meeting Agendas Are Set by a Team
Agendas for Council meetings are generally developed and refined by the Council and
Administration at Study Sessions and are then arranged by the City Manager and City Clerk in
consultation with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or both, who provide final approval prior to being
publicly posted. Items for draft meeting agendas are submitted to the City Clerk, Mayor, and
City Manager, and after team review are finalized by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or both, for
public notice and distribution.
2.5 Functioning of City Manager and Staff
2.5.1 ICMA Standards are Respected
City leaders respect the ICMA standards and model documents (e.g. ICMA Code of Ethics and
the City Manager’s employment terms/conditions).
2.5.2 Council -Manager Governance Depends on a Strong City Manager Role
The City Manager prepares the proposed budget; administers code and policy; appoints and
removes city employees; serves as the City’s chief executive officer.