Golf Course Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2010 06 07

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Public Involvement Policy f>lblic participation is an essential element ~fthe Cit!'s rep~~senta- r tive form of government. To promote effective public participa- tion City officials, advisory board members, staff and participants should all observe the following guiding principles, roles and responsibilities: Guiding principles for public involvement -Inclusive not Exclusive - Everyone's participation is welcome. Anyone with a known interest in the issue will be identified, invited and encouraged to be involved early in the process. -Voluntary Participation - The process will seek the support of those participants willing to invest the time necessary to make it work. -Purpose Driven - The process will be clearly linked to when and how decisions are made. These linkages will be communicated to partici- pants. -Time, Financial and Legal Constraints - The process will operate within an appropriate time frame and budget and observe existing legal and regulatory requirements. -Communication - The process and its progress will be communicated to participants and the community at-large using appropriate methods and technologies. -Adaptability - The process will be adaptable so that the level of public involvement is reflective of the magnitude of the issue and the needs of the participants. -Access to Information -The process will provide participants with timely access to all relevant information in an understandable and user- friendly way. Education and training requirements will be considered. -Access to Decision Making - The process will give participants the opportunity to influence decision making. -Respect for Diverse Interests - The process will foster respect for the diverse values, interests and knowledge of those involved. -Accountability - The process will reflect that participants are accountable to both their con- stituents and to the success of the process. -Evaluation - The success and results of the pro- cesswill be measured and evaluated. Roles and Responsibilities - City Council City Council is ultimately responsible to all the citi- zens of Louisville and must weigh each of its deci- sions accordingly. Councilors are responsible to their local 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 advi- sory boards must ensure that the Guiding Principles direct their work. In addition to the responsibilities established by the Guiding Principles, staff and advi- sory boards are responsible for: -ensuring that decisions and recommendations reflect the needs and desires of the community as a whole; -pursuing public involvement with a positive spirit because it helps clarify those needs and desires and also adds value to projects; -in all public involvement activities fostering long- term relationships based on respect and trust; -encouraging positive working partnerships; -ensuring that no participant or group is marginal- ized or ignored; -drawing out the silent majority, the voiceless and the disempowered; and -being familiar with a variety of public involvement techniques and the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches. -9-