| Q: |
What is a Council
/ Manager form of government? |
| A: |
Under this form of
government the elected officials are the community
leaders and policy makers who establish a
vision for the city and appoint a city manager
to carry out policy and ensure that all residents
are being equitably served. The council-manager
form of local government combines the strong
political leadership of elected officials
(in the form of a council, board, or other
governing body) with the strong professional
experience of an appointed local government
administrator.
Under the council-manager form, power is concentrated
in the elected council, which hires a professional
administrator to implement its policies. This
city manager serves at the pleasure of the
council as chief executive officer of the
City and has responsibility for preparing
the budget, directing day-to-day operations,
hiring and firing personnel, and serving as
the council's chief policy advisor. |
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|
| Q: |
When did the City
of Battle Ground adopt a Council / Manager
form of government? |
| A: |
The citizens of Battle
Ground adopted the council-manager plan in
1997. |
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|
| Q: |
What does a City Manager
do? |
| A: |
The City Manager develops
and maintains an effective management team
to implement the performance goals and policies
set by the City Council. The City Manager
recommends to the City Council such measures
or action, which appear necessary and desirable,
and performs other activities required by
law or designated by the City Council. |
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|
| Q: |
Who is the current
City Manager? |
| A: |
Dennis Osborn is the
current City Manager. Dennis Osborn began work with the City of Battle Ground as Deputy City Manager in 2002 and was appointed by the City Council to serve as City Manager in February of 2007. He has a BA in Urban and Regional Planning from Western Washington University and has completed course work towards a Masters Degree in Public Policy. Overall, he has over 16 years of municipal experience. |
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|
| Q: |
Who should I speak
to regarding a concern I have with the City? |
| A: |
The City of Battle
Ground operates under a Council-Manager form
of government. The City Manager is the Chief
Executive Officer of the City. Each department
is headed by a director, appointed by the
City Manager, who oversees the functions of
the department under the direct supervision
of the City Manager. Once the concern is identified,
you should discuss the matter with that particular
Department Director (i.e. problem with your
utility bill - you will be asked to speak
to the Finance Director). If the matter is
not resolved at that level, you should contact
the City Manager. |
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|
| Q: |
How can I get involved
with the City? |
| A: |
how
you would like to be involved with the City
and he will let you know what steps to take
to become an active part of your City government. |
| |
|
| Q: |
When are City Council
Agenda’s available for upcoming Council
meetings? |
| A: |
5 – 7 days prior
to the scheduled Council meeting. |
| |
|
| Q: |
How do I request a
public record? |
| A: |
Complete the Request
for Public Record form,
found on the City Clerk web page and return
it to:
Fax: (360) 342-5050
Mail: 109 S.W. 1st Street, Suite 221, Battle Ground, WA 98604
In Person: 109 S.W. 1st Street, Second floor reception area |
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|
| Q: |
When are City Council
meetings? |
| A: |
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