Hollister officials have tentatively scheduled a City Council
retreat at the Veterans Memorial Building for July 12, when Council
members plan to meet with City Manager Dale Shaddox and possibly
department heads to discuss key issues and plan for the coming
year.
Hollister officials have tentatively scheduled a City Council retreat at the Veterans Memorial Building for July 12, when Council members plan to meet with City Manager Dale Shaddox and possibly department heads to discuss key issues and plan for the coming year.
Shaddox, who is organizing the retreat, said its purpose is to develop “common goals and objectives,” and all Council members are planning to attend. Council members have expressed enthusiasm about the possibility for a 2003 retreat. Last year, a similar retreat was held at the City Hall Council Chambers.
The event is not expected to carry a cost, as the recently renovated building, owned by Hollister, is free for city use. And, contrary to previous speculation, the city does not plan on hiring an outside paid facilitator.
City Clerk Geri Johnson said the retreat is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to noon. Nonetheless, officials plan to work until they finish. The city’s department heads may be invited to attend for the last half of the retreat, according to the clerk’s office.
“I think it’s a great idea (inviting department heads),” said Community Development Director Bill Card, one of six city department heads. “I’m hoping it’s going to be a collaborative process, where all of us sit down and look where the city is right now, and what the direction may be.”
In late May, the Council and Shaddox had planned to attend a statewide Leadership Team Workshop organized by the California League of Cities. That weekend, unlike the upcoming retreat, would have primarily concentrated on intra-Council relationships and better ways of working together.
After a deposit of $1,500 had been sent, Hollister backed out of the commitment because conflicts arose for two Council members. The deposit was forfeited.
