LOCAL 3390
District Retreat Setp 28 2007
Posted On: Oct 08, 2007

UPDATE: GHF&MO Strategic Planning Workshop (Retreat) September 28, 2007

 

 

We began at 0830 and present were 12 members of our org. The three chiefs, Linda, 4 commissioners, Dr Teeple, Dan B and myself, along with a citizen invited by the board (12). The event took place at the Inn at Gig Harbor, and lasted till 1600.

 

Facilitating the event was Paula Dillard with Acscent partners from Kirkland, www.ascentpartners.net  she has experience in doing this with other fire departments and has been working with our admin recently. Her job was to help keep the focus and direct the event.

 

We began by reviewing what the agenda, rules, roles and expected outcomes were to be. Outcomes expected were: Honor the Past and Focus on the future, Review –Re-energize the Mission and Values, Review Key ESCI recommendations, Analyze/discuss the present internal/external SWOT (strength,weakness,opportunities,threats) , Create/discuss options and solutions, Identify bold steps to achieve Mission and Vision.

 

The entire day was a series of individual and group exercises designed to stimulate discussion, communication and to work toward a plan to achieve the goals set out in the resolution and Hb 1756.  It wasn’t so much taking the ESCI report and planning our next move as it was to help us (the gathered group) to take the next step and be able to plan and set goals. It was only the previous nite that Bob received the final report and it hadn’t been distributed. We look forward to it next week.

 

After several exercises we ended up with determining the bold steps needed to move us forward. We determined that our mission statement is appropriate for our organization but it was suggested that those that provide the service are the only ones really living it. Communication both ways is at issue with our leadership and it was recognized through discussion that a plan was needed to build bridges again and reconnect with each other. In addition we need to be pro-active and become better communicators within the community. More is needed, aside from our 5000 annual responses for service, to let the citizens know what we do and that we are here for them.  Without improving our communication our growth could be painful. I believe the Chief and the commissioners heard that message.

 

Next, after communication, we agreed that developing a hiring plan to meet our adopted standards of coverage warranted the next bold step in moving forward. There is already in place a working relationship including the Local to achieve this.

 

Next, develop long range plan for fleet/building upkeep/replacement, also in the works, with hopefully more transparency and input.

 

Next, to establish and maintain a sound fiscal plan. The District is looking out 7 years at this point where they can assure that our goals are paid for and those hired will not be dependant on a levy. That philosophy was identified as primary for all parties. We have been fortunate to not have to grow faster than our means can take us, and hopefully with this as the beginning we can participate in helping the organization to keep pace.

 

The last step was to work on a plan for feedback, both internal and external. To bring in more community involvement and work better with employees to set a direction for our organization.

 

There were three items identified to leave the meeting with that needed work; the first was to create a vision statement; a committee from those present were tasked to do so by Nov 1. Second was to create a communication plan to get the internal and external customers to believe our mission and value statements. The goal for completion of 1/1/08. Lastly, to establish a plan to review, evaluate and implement the esci report recommendations, and create timelines and accountability for implementation plan. Beginning report at commissioners meeting Nov 22.

 

Paula indicated she planned to return by March of 2008 to again put us in a room and evaluate what we have or have not accomplished.

 

All in all, we hope this is the beginning of something good. I know we have gone through times like this before where things are said that give us hope for a better work environment only to slip back.  Ms, Dillard   repeatedly told the group that this process is not easy and will take work and perseverance. The only thing that I can see that is different is that we seem to have a group of commissioners that will not let that happen and are there to do the work.


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Contact Info
IAFF Local 3390
PO Box 2625
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
 

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