Cultural Council Agenda and Packet 2014 01 16

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constituents under the ward system; however they must carefully consider the concerns expressed by all parties. Council must ultimately meet the needs of the entire community — including current and future generations —and act in the best interests of the City as a whole. During its review and decision - making process, Council has an obligation to recognize the efforts and activities that have preceded its deliberations. Council should have regard for the public involve- ment processes that have been completed in sup- port or opposition of projects. Roles and Responsibilities - City Staff and Advisory Boards The City should be designed and run to meet the needs and priorities of its citizens. Staff and advisory boards must ensure that the Guiding Principles direct their work. In addition to the responsibilities estab- lished by the Guiding Principles, staff and advisory boards are responsible for: • ensuring that decisions and recommenda- tions reflect the needs and desires of the com- munity as a whole; • pursuing public involvement with a positive 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- 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 being familiar with a variety of public involve- ment techniques and the strengths and weak- nesses of various approaches. All Participants The public is also accountable for the public involvement process and for the results it produces. All parties (including Council, advisory boards, staff, proponents, opponents and the public) are respon- sible for: • working within the process in a cooperative and civil manner; • focusing on real issues and not on furthering personal agendas; • balancing personal concerns with the needs of the community as a whole; • having realistic expectations; • participating openly, honestly and construc- tively, offering ideas, suggestions and alterna- tives; • listening carefully and actively considering everyone's perspectives; • identifying their concerns and issues early in the process; • providing their names and contact informa- tion if they want direct feedback; • remembering that no single voice is more im- portant than all others, and that there are diverse opinions to be considered; • making every effort to work within the project schedule and if this is not possible, discussing this with the proponent without delay; • recognizing that process schedules may be constrained by external factors such as limited funding, broader project schedules or legislative requirements; • accepting some responsibility for keeping themselves aware of current issues, making oth- ers aware of project activities and soliciting their involvement and input; and • considering that the quality of the outcome and how that outcome is achieved are both important. Updated December 2013 -9-