HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-09-2019 Item 1 - Discussion on a Potential Framework for Intergovernmental Collaboration with Municipal Partners
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 9, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 1
SUBJECT: Discussion on a Potential Framework for Intergovernmental Collaboration with
Municipal Partners
DEPARTMENT: County Manager’s Office
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A: Proposal from the Dispute
Settlement Center
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Travis Myren, 919-245-2300
Bonnie Hammersley, 919-245-2300
PURPOSE: To discuss a potential framework for intergovernmental collaboration with the
County’s municipal partners.
BACKGROUND: During the Board’s annual retreat, one of the themes that emerged was a
desire to improve collaboration and cooperation with the municipalities within the County. This
type of intergovernmental collaboration has historically been facilitated through a joint meeting
process. However, some feedback to staff suggested that some elected officials believed the
joint meeting framework lacked a clear purpose and few deliverables.
As part of a brainstorming exercise about how to have a more deliberate collaboration process,
the School Collaboration framework seemed to represent a good example of how the County
and the school districts are able to identify joint issues, set goals, and reduce collaboration
barriers. The School Collaboration framework consists of representatives from the County and
each of the school districts, administrative leadership from each body, and other staff as
required for support on specific topics. The Collaboration work group is facilitated by a
professional facilitator who solicits agenda items in advance of the meeting, facilitates the work
group meetings, and creates a set of minutes from those meetings that is distributed to each of
the governing bodies.
A similar framework could be used with municipalities where a small group of representatives
from each of the governing boards meets to explore collaboration opportunities and report out
results. The role of the facilitator is outlined in the proposal from the Dispute Settlement Center
which is provided as Attachment A.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact is associated with this discussion. If the Board
chooses to employ a framework that involves a professional facilitator, funds would need to be
budgeted to compensate the facilitator.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
Effective collaboration between the County and its municipalities will foster a more inclusive
view of policy issues.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board discuss the potential
framework(s) for intergovernmental collaboration and direct staff to take necessary steps to
implement the policy decision.