5.1. SR 05-08-1995''~ f ~~1 ITEM 5.1.
ity of ~~ MEMORANDUM
River TO: Mayor & City Council
lk •
FROM: William Rubin, Economic Developm t
Coordinator
DATE: May 8, 1995
SUBJECT: Revised Process Facilitation Proposal
(City's Review and Permitting Process)
Introduction
At its meeting on April 17, 1995, the Elk River City Council heard a proposal
from Training Networks, Inc., associated with implementing the findings and
recommendations of an EDA-funded Needs Assessment Report. Following
discussion on this matter, representatives from Training Networks and city
staff received direction to revise this proposal so as to better fit within the
city's budget parameters.
• The revised proposal as submitted by Training Networks, Inc., is included
with this agenda memo.
Background
Based on City Council direction in April, the latest proposal has been
condensed into what Training Networks believe would be a good start
towards addressing the issues identified in the Needs Assessment Report.. As
such, the total investment necessary to implement the various training and
facilitated planning exercises has been reduced to approximately $12,500.
Although reduced in scope, the revised proposal still includes a variety of
workshops and internal staff sessions to help address the issues related to
the city's review and permitting process.
Ms. Sandra Bower, owner of Training Networks, Inc., 18072 Cleveland
Street, will be in attendance at the May 8 City Council meeting. She is
expected to provide an overview of the revised proposal and will outline how
it differs from the earlier proposal.
•
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
• CITY OF ELK RIVER
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL ALTERNATIVES
Considering the budgetary constraints of the City of Elk River, Lee Colby and i
have condensed the comprehensive proposal into what we feel would. be a
"start" at addressing some of the issues brought out in the Needs Assessment.
There would be certain topics that would not be addressed or at least very little.
The following is our proposal at the onset (prioritized):
i. DISC workshops where ail City personnel would attend two haifi day
sessions. This would be scheduled three times. This training would heap
staff understand different behavior styles, diffuse conflict, and open lines of
communication with external and internal customers.
!I. Facilitated Planning sessions comprised of a cross sectional group
scheduled for 2 112 hours five times. These are important because specific
issues from the Needs Assessment would begin to be addressed and dealt
with as a group (same as original proposal only less time
allotted). (total 12.5 hrs)
ill. Task Forces made up ofi volunteers and appointees would be established to
work on work flow, procedures, and material evaluations {same as in
original proposal only less time allotted). Would schedule three task forces
to meet twice each for 1 1/2 hours. (total 9 hrs)
IV. Short-Term Strategies would be utilized for one-on-one coaching, observing
staff meetings, and miscellaneous meetings as needed. (total 6 hrs)
V. Customer Service sessions for all City staff. Scheduled in three hal#-day.
sessions.
The following was omitted from the original proposal:
1. Decreased the time allotted for Facilitated Planning Sessions, Task Forces,
and Short-Term Team Building Strategies.
2. Employee Training: a. Communication Skills for Mgmt
b. Teamwork Skills
c. Effective Meeting Management
C.
This alternative plan is as condensed as possible and still begins to address the
major issues in the Needs Assessment. We also recommend that this
alternative plan be implemented as soon as possible so as not to lose
momentum and to show the community that the City is serious. about adressing
the identified issues.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE AND FEES
9:00-11:30 Facilitated Planning
12:00- 1:30 Task Force Meeting
1:30- 2:30 Short-Term Strategies
Scheduled once weekly
Total: 5 - 3/4 days (5 X $900) $4500
1 - 1/2 day 600
DISC PERSONAL PROFILE SYSTEM 4388
Six half-day sessions with profiles
*Time needed: Min. 1-3 weeks
CUSTOMER SERVICE 1800
Three half-day sessions
* Time needed: 1-3 weeks
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TIME (LOGGED) (approx} 1200
TOTAL $12,488
{Plus mileage for Lee Colby @ .28 per mile}
* Scheduling depends upon availability of staff.
C.