Council forms 2-member ad hoc to arrange governance training; Mayor and Councilmember Tillman named

The Clayton City Council voted 5-0 on Feb. 4 to create a two-member ad hoc committee to arrange a governance-training and team-building workshop for the full council. Mayor Troopiano said the committee's purpose is to select a third-party facilitator and shape a session that will improve council collaboration and council-staff relations.

Mayor Troopiano said the goal of the training is to "help heal the divide in our city" and to provide "additional tools and resources we need to move the city forward." She recommended that she and Councilmember Tillman serve on the ad hoc; Council approved the recommendation by roll call.

City Manager Chris (City Manager) told the council the ad hoc will work with staff to vet facilitators and present options that match the committee's priorities. "I'll work with the ad hoc when we get those proposals in from the firms," the city manager said, and described the procurement approach as an "a la carte menu" of potential training components—governance basics, conflict resolution, and team-building among them. He said cost and program fit would be factors in selection.

Public comment supported the training as a step toward improved cooperation. A resident and former mayor, speaking at the podium, said the workshop "will work if the council is willing to give a little and be willing to cooperate." Another resident urged the council to treat the session as both team building and good governance training.

Next steps: The city manager will solicit proposals from firms and present options to the ad hoc committee; the ad hoc will recommend a facilitator and program scope to the full council for approval. The council did not set a firm date or budget during the Feb. 4 meeting.

Sources: Council discussion at the Feb. 4 meeting, remarks by Mayor Troopiano and City Manager Chris, and public comment.