Number
020890
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BOHL
Title
Substitute resolution relating to the establishment of a City of Milwaukee Citizens' Bill of Rights.
Analysis
This resolution establishes a Citizens' Bill of Rights to serve as a City of Milwaukee policy statement regarding the standards of conduct to be complied with by all city departments and agencies delivering city services, communicating with citizens, providing customer service and opportunities for participation.
The policy statement regards standards of conduct relating to the delivery of city services, responses to citizens' inquiries, advanced notice of public hearings and public works projects, opportunities for public input into the annual budget process and participation into the design of publicly-funded projects.
Body
Whereas, City departments and agencies were established to serve the citizens of the City of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Current practices of city departments and agencies and provisions of state statute and city code and other provisions do not adequately address the standards of conduct citizens are entitled to expect and receive from city departments and agencies in terms of delivery of city services, communication, customer service and public participation; and
Whereas, The establishment of a City of Milwaukee policy statement regarding the relationship between citizens and city departments and agencies would clearly identify the standards of conduct that should be maintained by all city departments and agencies delivering city services, communicating with citizens and providing customer service and opportunities for participation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the following "Citizens' Bill of Rights" is established as policy regarding the standards of conduct to be maintained by all city departments and agencies delivering city services, communicating with citizens and providing customer service and opportunities for participation:
City of Milwaukee Citizens' Bill of Rights
Citizens of the City of Milwaukee have the right to expect and receive the following standards of conduct from all city departments and agencies delivering city services, communicating with citizens, providing customer service and opportunities for participation:
1. Timely delivery of appropriate levels of fire and police protection for any requests for services.
2. Courteous and complete responses in a timely manner, or reports that complete responses are forthcoming, for any requests relating to the delivery of city services.
3. Courteous and complete responses in a timely manner, or reports that inquiries or research are underway and complete responses are forthcoming, for any requests for information regarding city business.
4. Advance notice of meeting schedules and agendas made conveniently available for any public hearings. Notice shall include the times, dates and locations of the public hearings and the names and phone numbers of the city representatives most knowledgeable and able to answer questions prior to the public hearing, and where applicable, an explanation of opportunities for public input and testimony.
5. Advance notice for any city-related public works or utility projects taking place within or adjacent to a neighborhood. Notice shall include the days and probable lengths of time for any street closures, utility interruptions or other events which may adversely impact the citizenry, and the names and phone numbers of the City representatives most knowledgeable and able to answer questions prior and during the course of the work.
6. Opportunities for formal input into the annual budget process, which include opportunities to express preferred city government priorities, suggested capital improvement projects and other statements that represent the opinions of the citizenry.
7. Opportunities to participate in the design of publicly-funded projects, which include opportunities early in the planning process to express preferences regarding locations, materials, orientations, sizes, land use intensities and other aspects of the projects.
;and, be it
Further Resolved, That all city departments and agencies are authorized and directed to observe to the greatest extent possible the City of Milwaukee "Citizens' Bill of Rights" as a formal expression of the City's duty to serve the public effectively, responsively and courteously through its relationships with its citizens.
Drafter
LRB02377-2
RGP
10/18/02