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The CIC divided into two groups and the remainder of the meeting was dedicated to completing the <br /> brainstorming process. The process yielded the following results: <br /> Vision <br /> Elements common to the citizen involvement vision statements created by the two groups included 1) <br /> television, media, newspaper /multiple access process; and 2) non - intimidating and courteous /decisions <br /> actively supported by the community. <br /> Overall Gap? <br /> In response to the question "On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being total alignment), where are we now <br /> relative to the vision statement ?," the average response of members was 4.5. <br /> Problem Areas <br /> The CIC identified the following as inhibiting factors in the citizen involvement /service delivery <br /> process: 1) process; 2) alienation: 3) lose /lose mentality; 4) access; 4) apathy; 5) enlarging the base of <br /> involvement; and 6) funding. <br /> Ideas for Improvement <br /> • Pay the City Council <br /> • Monthly newsletter to citizens <br /> • Longer public hearings <br /> • Restructure neighborhood organizations (4) <br /> • Clarify impacts of a process at the beginning (1) <br /> • At end of process, provide an opportunity for additional comments <br /> • Two -stage process (policy decision followed by implementation) with mitigation in between (3) <br /> • Develop clear mission statement <br /> • Clarify the role of committees, neighborhoods, and the City Council <br /> • At the City Council level, separate information sessions from action on the item <br /> • Eliminate redundancies between committees (1) <br /> • Citizen education <br /> • Decisions based on a range of options rather than "yes" or "no" on one option (3) <br /> • Well- defined, simple process with many entry points (1) <br /> • Establish and enforce ground rules for behavior during meetings (appropriate courtesy) (1) <br /> • Publication describing how to become involved and citing the rules of conduct (4) <br /> • Information from the City must be easily understood by the average citizen/minimize jargon and <br /> technical language (1) <br /> • Better use of neighborhoods by City Council and City staff (3) <br /> • Better use of neighborhoods by neighborhood groups (2) <br /> • Decision making take place at the lowest or smallest level possible <br /> • Citizens should have a better idea of how the City operates <br /> MINUTES -- Citizen Involvement Committee December 11, 1997 Page 3 <br />