City Council Guiding Principles
OUR ROLE
As elected officials of a Home Rule Council/Manager form of government, we are the legislative and governing body of the City. As a group, we set policy and adopt laws, ordinances, resolutions and an annual budget as we deem proper. The City Charter enables the City Manager and his or her staff to manage the day-to-day activities of our municipal government, such as preparing the annual budget, hiring staff, enforcing laws and regulations and carrying out Council policy directives.
OUR COMMITMENT TO WORK TOGETHER
As elected officials, we will:
Listen – We will listen to what fellow Council Members, visitors and staff have to say. Listening with an open mind builds trust.
Seek Consensus – We will seek common ground among competing interests and strive for consensus.
Disagree Agreeably – We may disagree with each other but will treat the opinions of others with respect. Our disagreements can lead to constructive solutions to real problems.
Respect the Will of the Majority – While we may not all agree with the Council’s final decision, we will support the decision of the majority and not attempt to undermine it. If we want to affect change, we will do so in a constructive manner consistent with Council policies and procedures.
Respect the Rights of the Minority – We will be sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those who do not agree with the majority. We will respect their position and not criticize them for disagreeing with the remainder of the Council.
Treat Everyone with Respect – We will not publicly embarrass or humiliate our fellow Council Members, citizens or staff. While disagreements are expected and acceptable, we will maintain an atmosphere of good will and respect. We will focus on ideas and suggestions rather than question motives, intelligence or integrity.
Treat Staff as Professionals – We respect the role of staff as professionals and depend on the City Manager to manage staff performance.
Share Information – We will share relevant information with fellow Council Members, so we all have the same information.
Make Decisions in the Open – We will be transparent and conduct our business consistent with the spirit of Open Meetings law.
Communicate the Decisions of Council – We will accurately communicate the majority decisions of the City Council, even if we disagree with the decision; and by so doing, affirm the respect and integrity of our decision-making process.
Nurture the Value of the Individual and Recognize the Strength of the Team – We believe the Council’s legal and political strength can only be realized when we work as a team.
Constituents expect their elected officials will work together for the common good of the City and our constituents.
Engagement and Transparency – We are committed to actively listening to our constituents, valuing their input, and providing open, accessible forums for dialogue. We will ensure that all voices are heard, fostering an environment where community members can express concerns, ideas, and solutions. Through transparent communication and frequent feedback opportunities, we aim to build trust, empower residents, and make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community.
Trust Your Judgment; Make Tough Decisions – The voters elected us to make informed decisions. We realize some of the most difficult decisions are those that represent the greater good, sometimes against the wishes and desires of individual citizens.
(Adapted from Loveland, Colorado’s Council Orientation Guide; Plymouth, Minnesota’s Council Handbook; and others.)
COUNCIL ACTIONS, MEETINGS AND OPEN RECORDS
Our decisions to adopt rules, regulations, ordinances and resolutions will be made at open public meetings, in compliance with the Colorado Open Meetings Law. All our “meetings,” which can include discussions held over email or phone, of three or more Council Members convened for the purpose of discussing “public business,” must be open to the public. We assume everything we write regarding City business, including emails, is public and subject to an Open Records Request. We encourage each other to contact the City Attorney with any questions or for clarification.
QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS AND EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
When we apply a specific law to certain facts to determine the rights of a particular person/entity regarding their property or business, we are acting like a judge and must ensure the applicant receives due process. Examples include rezoning or land use hearings. Due process requires public notice, a hearing and a fair and impartial decision-maker.
- We will follow applicable legal criteria and apply those criteria to the evidence we hear at the hearing, to arrive at our decision.
- We will refrain from “ex parte” or “outside the hearing” contacts regarding a pending quasi-judicial matter.
- We will not participate in decision-making in a quasi-judicial matter in which we have a conflict of interest.
Evidence of bias, conflicts of interest, or ex parte communications can subject our decisions to a legal challenge. We encourage each other to contact the City Attorney with any questions or for clarification.
HOW WE WORK WITH THE MEDIA
Any media requests received by the Mayor or Council Members are to be forwarded to the City’s Communications Director for review. Upon review with the Communications Director, the Mayor determines whether to respond with an interview or written statement or delegate a Council Member to respond on his or her behalf. In the event the Mayor is inaccessible, the City Manager determines how to respond.
ONLINE POSTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE
While Council Members may engage in conversations or answer questions on social media, they should avoid making policy decisions, commitments, or taking positions on specific matters. All policy decisions should be discussed and made through formal meetings. Any personal social media account should not be used to engage in official City business or give the appearance of official representation.
In discussion of quasi-judicial matters, Council Members must remain impartial in their social media posts. Council Members should avoid taking sides in debates before a formal council decision has been made, to ensure fairness and transparency in the decision-making process.
OUR COMMITMENT TO WORK WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Commissions, Boards and Committees
We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteer residents to advise and assist the City. Periodically, we will be asked to meet and work with our Commissions, Boards and Committees (CBCs), including the Arts Commission, Audit Committee, Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Recreation Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, Youth Commission and the Living and Aging Well Commission.
Other Local Boards, Associations and Organizations
Other local partners we work with include over 40 Homeowners Associations, Metropolitan Districts and other local organizations.
Special Events and Occasions
Council Members are also encouraged to attend numerous other community special events and occasions, including City sponsored and partnership events, ribbon-cuttings, business grand openings and others.
OUR COMMITMENT TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS IN THE REGION AND BEYOND
We are more successful when we work with our partners in the region and beyond. Individual Council Members are assigned to represent the City of Lone Tree on a selection of the various committees, boards and other entities. Your active participation and preparation for meetings of these assigned entities is expected. Should you be unable to attend, request the help of an alternate or request assistance to make sure the City is appropriately represented.
STAFF SUPPORT
Council Members receive support from staff in many ways, including:
- Staff analysis and reports
- Cell phones and iPads for communication and reviewing the Council’s e-packet, along with technical support.
- Routine questions or requests of staff should go through the City Manager or Department Director. Requests that require significant staff time or resources, e.g. research or preparation of a report, should be referred to the City Manager and Mayor.
ROLE DURING EMERGENCIES OR DISASTERS
The City Council as the duly elected leadership has the statutory responsibility for the governance of an emergency or disaster within the jurisdiction. Some of those responsibilities include:
- Officially declare an Emergency or Disaster in the City
- Enact ordinances and resolutions authorizing the City Manager to manage a disaster or emergency
- Provide policy guidance and direction as necessary
- Coordinate with elected officials from other jurisdictions in support of plan implementation