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November 21, 2012

Building livable communities that improve people's lives

Leadership and Management

Why bosses should find their "off button"
Leaders shouldn't be afraid to turn off their smartphones and iPads, write Henry Mintzberg and Peter Todd, as digital distractions make it harder for bosses to relate to their workers effectively. "By giving managers the illusion of control, the rapid flow of information through new technologies threatens to rob them of real control," the pair write. Strategy+Business magazine (free registration) (Winter 2012)

Budgeting and Finance

Mass. city could face myriad budget woes
The Holyoke, Mass., City Council Finance Committee did not come up with a solution during a meeting for the budget, which must deal with increasing costs and decreasing property values. Among possible challenges are decreased tax revenue from a coal plant that had to reduce operations, property values that have decreased 2% to 3% compared with last year and a need to exceed a pre-approved tax rate on commercial property. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (11/20)

Emergency Management and Public Safety

Ohio city council wants higher penalty for bypassing school buses
A Cleveland City Council member proposed an ordinance that would make failure to stop for a school bus a first-degree misdemeanor, which could result in a $1,000 fine, a three-year license suspension and six months of jail time. The proposal follows an incident in which a woman drove on a sidewalk to avoid having to stop for a school bus. She was ordered to hold a sign calling herself an "idiot" by a judge, who was surprised to find out the offense was only a misdemeanor traffic violation. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (11/20)

Economic Development, Restoration and Sustainability

Md. city council considers bill aimed at lowering unemployment
The president of the Baltimore City Council proposed a bill that would require 51% of new workers at companies working on a city contract or receiving financial assistance from the city to be Baltimore residents or face a $500 fine and ineligibility for city contracts for one year. The measure is part of an effort to reduce the city's unemployment rate, which was 10.2% in September. The Baltimore Sun (11/19)

Legislation, Policy and Grants

Calif. city council limits amplified sound at plaza
The Palo Alto, Calif., City Council voted to restrict use of sound-amplification equipment at Lytton Plaza amid complaints that the plaza's electrical outlets were being used during unreasonable hours. The change permits amplified sound only during certain times on certain days. "We did our best to reach a compromise that will give us a plaza that's safe and enjoyable and clean for as many uses as possible," said Daren Anderson of the Parks and Recreation Commission, which offered recommendations and met with community members to discuss the restriction. Palo Alto Daily News (Calif.) (11/20)

Mo. city council might eliminate short-lived screening law
An ordinance requiring employers in Springfield, Mo., to use the federal E-Verify program to screen employees might not survive a re-examination by the City Council, which is considering repealing it. The council meant to amend the ordinance, but Councilman Doug Burlison proposed repealing it, saying elimination is "a very needed symbolic move." Some business owners had opposed the ordinance, which received voter approval in February, saying it contradicted state and federal screening laws. Springfield News-Leader (Mo.) (tiered subscription model) (11/19)

Public Works and Infrastructure

Md. county council sets higher recycling goal
The Prince George's County, Md., Council passed a proposal to set the countywide recycling goal at 45% of trash by 2015, 55% by 2018 and 60% by 2020. Owners of commercial buildings, apartments and other facilities would have to give tenants recycling options by 2014. The council also voted to expand the county's ethics office and extend a tax credit for geothermal and solar energy to lessees. The Washington Post (11/20)

Recognitions and Transitions

Okla. town adopts council-city manager government
Skiatook, Okla., will move from a town government to a council-city manager system. The change passed with 61.2% approval from voters this month, reflecting residents' and officials' desire to draw more business to the area and improve its image after a string of government scandals. "We're hoping this kind of revitalizes Skiatook," Mayor Josh Brown said. Tulsa World (Okla.) (11/18)

Texas city bags Malcolm Baldrige award
Two Texas organizations, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Grand Prairie and the city of Irving, won the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for outstanding performance through innovation and leadership. "I'm proud to be part of an organization that values the feedback of its residents, businesses and employees, and uses this feedback to enhance the quality of life for our entire community," Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne said. Lockheed won in the manufacturing division, while Irving won in the nonprofit division. American City Business Journals/Dallas (11/14)

ICMA News

Web workshop will focus on millennials and succession planning
The boomer generation needs to hire the next generation, but they don't even speak the same language. ICMA is bridging the gap with a Dec. 6 Web workshop to help local governments compete with corporate America for the generation that will determine our future. If you want to strengthen your succession plan, join us and your colleagues as we demystify the millennial generation and help you hire and motivate tomorrow's leaders. Register for this 2.5-hour Web workshop.

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Editor's Note

SmartBrief will not publish Thursday and Friday
In observance of Thanksgiving in the U.S., SmartBrief will not be published Thursday and Friday. Publication will resume Monday. Enjoy the holiday!

SmartQuote

A good man with a good conscience doesn't walk so fast."

--Georg Büchner,
German writer

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