Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2013 01 08

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in an understandable and user-friendly way. Educa-being familiar with a variety of public involve- tion and training requirements will be considered.ment techniques and the strengths and weak- Access to Decision Making - The process will give nesses of various approaches. participants the opportunity to influence decision making. All Participants Respect for Diverse Interests - The process will foster The public is also accountable for the public respect for the diverse values, interests and knowl-involvement process and for the results it produces. edge of those involved.All parties (including Council, advisory boards, staff, Accountability - The process will reflect that partici-proponents, opponents and the public) are respon- pants are accountable to both their constituents and sible for: to the success of the process.working within the process in a cooperative Evaluation - The success and results of the process and civil manner; will be measured and evaluated.focusing on real issues and not on furthering personal agendas; Roles and Responsibilities - City Council balancing personal concerns with the needs City Council is ultimately responsible to all the citi-of the community as a whole; zens of Louisville and must weigh each of its decisions having realistic expectations; accordingly. Councilors are responsible to their local participating openly, honestly and construc- constituents under the ward system; however they tively, offering ideas, suggestions and alterna- must carefully consider the concerns expressed by tives; all parties. Council must ultimately meet the needs of listening carefully and actively considering the entire communityincluding current and future everyones perspectives; generationsand act in the best interests of the City identifying their concerns and issues early in as a whole.the process; During its review and decision-making process, providing their names and contact informa- Council has an obligation to recognize the efforts tion if they want direct feedback; and activities that have preceded its deliberations. remembering that no single voice is more im- Council should have regard for the public involve-portant than all others, and that there are diverse ment processes that have been completed in sup-opinions to be considered; port or opposition of projects.making every effort to work within the project schedule and if this is not possible, discussing this Roles and Responsibilities - City Staff and Advisory with the proponent without delay; Boards recognizing that process schedules may be The City should be designed and run to meet the constrained by external factors such as limited needs and priorities of its citizens. Staff and advisory funding, broader project schedules or legislative boards must ensure that the Guiding Principles direct requirements; their work. In addition to the responsibilities estab-accepting some responsibility for keeping lished by the Guiding Principles, staff and advisory themselves aware of current issues, making oth- boards are responsible for:ers aware of project activities and soliciting their ensuring that decisions and recommenda-involvement and input; and tions reflect the needs and desires of the com-considering that the quality of the outcome munity as a whole;and how that outcome is achieved are both pursuing public involvement with a positive important. spirit because it helps clarify those needs and desires and also adds value to projects; fostering long-term relationships based on respect and trust in all public involvement activi-Updated December 2012 ties; encouraging positive working partnerships; ensuring that no participant or group is mar- ginalized or ignored; drawing out the silent majority, the voiceless and the disempowered; and 14