Title
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding with the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CNA).
Report
Issue:
Should the City of Olympia renew its MOU with the CNA?
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.753.8206
Presenter:
None. This is a consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia entered into an MOU with the CNA on July 13, 2012 (Attachment 2). That MOU remains in effect through July 13, 2015. It recognizes the CNA as an entity that can provide assistance to the City and the individual recognized neighborhood associations established under Chapter 18.86 of the Municipal Code. It also addresses a number of issues of joint interest between the City and the CNA. The existing MOU provides for amendment or renewal of the MOU by mutual agreement.
Councilmember Hankins, the City Manager, and CNA Staff Liaison met with CNA Leadership January 29, 2015 to review OMC 18.86 and the existing MOU. The City Council met with the CNA leadership on March 31, 2015, to discuss renewal of the MOU between the City and the CNA. City Council directed staff to continue discussions and bring a draft MOU back to the Council for review and approval. City Council comments also provided suggestions to the CNA for several initiatives they are working to include in their work program to implement the MOU, including increasing participation in the City’s Recognized Neighborhood Associations program, coordinating communications efforts, and expanding relationships between the CNA and other governmental entities.
The proposed MOU (Attachment 2) is a renewal of the existing MOU with CNA. It includes several minor revisions to reflect updated conditions. The purpose and topic areas covered by the MOU remain the same.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
The Coalition of Neighborhood Associations is open to representation of all Olympia neighborhoods. Among other things, it provides a forum for neighborhood interests to be expressed and addressed, if possible.
Options:
1. Approve MOU as proposed.
2. Direct staff to continue discussions with CNA to prepare an alternative version.
3. Decide not to continue pursuing a renewed MOU.
Financial Impact:
The renewed MOU can be supported within existing budget. It is possible that future initiatives may be introduced as a result of continuing work with the CNA that may have budget impacts, which would be considered by the City Council at that time.