1/8/13 - The Howell City Council voted Monday night to retain a facilitator that will help guide it through the annual retreat process. Council approved a motion 4-3 to approve the facilitation proposal from Dr. Joe Ohren from Eastern Michigan University at a cost not to exceed $3,500. Council will host a preliminary work session February 6th to somewhat set the groundwork for the retreat itself, which will take place all day on February 16th at a location expected to be finalized shortly. The goal of the retreat and facilitator is to discuss roles, responsibilities and procedures for strengthening decision-making processes while also identifying and setting priorities for critical issues confronting the city. Finally, an action plan would be developed to guide city decision-making over the next few years. The concept of a facilitator was brought forward at the recommendation of City Manager Shea Charles. With the recent leadership changes on Council, many members are unfamiliar with the annual retreat process. Charles tells WHMI he felt that a facilitator would be preferable instead of having staff not only facilitate the gathering but present information as well. The majority of members agreed a facilitator would help with the retreat process although Mayor Phil Campbell and Councilmen Doug Heins and Al Schlittler voted against the motion; some due to the $3,500 cost and others for the information being provided in what they felt was a less than timely manner. (JM)
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