2018 Learning Lab Teams
Employee Evaluations
Draft Challenge Statement:
Regular evaluations help employees develop their skills and advance in their careers. Right now, employees typically are evaluated by their supervisor each year. This practice is not always consistently applied or meaningful. How might we ensure that all employees get meaningful evaluations that incorporate the Together San Rafael guiding principles?
Team:
- Margaret Stawowy, Library
- Ali Giudice, Community Development
- Sam Garanzini, Police Department
- Crystal Kubala, Parking Services
Homeless encampment fire and health threats
Draft Challenge Statement:
Illegal camping has been the cause of numerous vegetation fires. The activity is also a safety risk for those who want to use/enjoy our open space or parkland areas; encampments can contain trash, human waste and used needles. Additionally, encountering a homeless individual could pose a risk if they try to defend their possessions. How might we solve (instead of just move) this problem?
Team:
- Faby Guille-Urfer, Public Works
- Laraine Gittens, City Attorney's Office
- Lynn Murphy, Police Department
- Christine Foster, Public Works
- Carl Huber, Police Department
Obsolete and onerous regulations
Draft Challenge Statement:
Outdated regulations are often no longer effective and can be a sense of frustration to both staff and the public. They can create unnecessary bureaucracy that slows down projects and increases costs. How might we reduce the number of outdated and ineffective regulations?
Team:
- Don Jeppson, Community Development
- Brittany Bober, City Clerk's Office
- Josh Minshall, Public Works
- Daniel Soto, City Manager's Office
- Simon Vuong, Economic Development
Cultivating a positive culture
Draft Challenge Statement:
We live in divisive times and it’s easy to forget all of the good around us. Stress can cause negative health impacts, counterproductive and dangerous behaviors, and even violence. How might we cultivate a culture of positivity in San Rafael?
Team:
- Sara Smith, Finance
- Cheryl Meeker, Library
- Loren Lundy, Public Works
- Susan Andrade-Wax, Community Services
- Kevin McGowan, Public Works
- Omar Garcia, Public Works
Community partnerships
Draft Challenge Statement:
As our capacity to provide services declines and community expectations continue to increase, there is a growing frustration from the public and a reduction of trust in local government overall. In the past, local governments may have been able to be the sole provider of services, while now it takes a partnership or coalitions to work together to address issues. For example, there are actions a community can take to make for a safer neighborhood – it is not solely about the number of police officers. There are actions a community can take to make for a cleaner community – it is not solely Public Works employees picking up illegal dumping. How might we create toolkits so that the community can clearly see how they can best partner to help create the quality of life they want?
Team:
- Valente Curiel, Public Works
- Sean Mooney, Information Technology
- Darcie Chellew, Community Services
- Kathryn Nelson, Public Works
- Miriam Wallen, Library