Revised February 1, 2024
Note: This content has been archived and may no longer be accurate or relevent
AGENDA and packet for Jan. 26, 2024 Retreat
At the Oct. 10, 2023 Shorewood City Council work session (see video here) on enterprise funds, most of the discussion centered on the troubled Municipal Water Fund.[1] See Get Smarter: Shorewood Enterprise Funds Analysis
The discussion was disjointed and punctuated with awkward pauses, particularly when addressing rate increases or potential strategies to encourage, (or force!), hookups to the system. The Council fallback was, on numerous occasions to wait for the “Retreat” to discuss any consensus or give direction to staff.
What is the “Retreat?” It is an annual session, usually held outside of City Hall, typically during normal business hours. The retreat is publicly noticed, but in recent years not attended, by residents. It is not recorded, only informal “notes” are taken, and it is not on Zoom.
The upcoming “retreat” now scheduled for January 26 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, will apparently include discussion of the municipal water system.
Why should this matter to you?
- The $10k assessment.
- Research shows the cost of running the pipe from the street to the water meter, and then connecting the meter to internal plumbing, will add thousands of dollars to the overall conversion costs.
- For the approximately 50% of Shorewood households not connected to city water, there could be a significant financial impact – likely the biggest city-imposed cost to residents, aside from property taxes.
- Likely discussion of strategies for forcing connection to the municipal water system
- Five people (the Council) will discuss strategy, vision and direction, out of sight of the residents. This may have a direct financial impact on residents. Read here: When a Council violates its own Code.
- Involving residents in the process provides transparency and accountability ensuring that projects align with our community needs and priorities.
Historically, retreats can result in change that can charitably be called “flying under the radar.” For example, in 2014, the mayor’s term and commission size changes were borne out of that year’s retreat. Read here: Longer Term for Mayor-Shrinking the Commissions
If the council is meeting to work on group dynamics, or for educational enrichment, that could be called a “retreat.” In the context used during the work session, the viewer has the distinct perception that the Council is using “retreat” as a tool to discuss contentious subjects in a setting where there will be the least possible chance of the public being involved.
If the council is meeting to discuss city business, whether strategic planning, finances or any other regular city issues, that is a council meeting or work session. This should be conducted like any other council meeting at the regular venue, with recorded video, Zoom and detailed minutes.
SCA believes the Council should be holding policy and business discussions at regular recorded meetings or work sessions. A topic of this magnitude deserves its own meeting, in full public view, not limited to 40 a minutes work sessions
SCA Editors
- Watch for a future article about the water fund. ↑
