A communication retreat on May 27th 2008 marked a new chapter in the Snohomish city councils history book. The Snohomish city council invited communications specialist Rhonda Hilyer of Agreement Dynamic, Inc. to hold the retreat.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Hamlin, Councilwomen Clemans, Councilwomen Guzak, Mayor Pro-tem Schilaty, Councilman Randall and Councilman Thorndike. Councilman Johnson declined the invitation saying he thought that public money shouldnt be spent this way during these harder economic times. The meeting was held at the Everett PUD and was 4 hours long. The estimated $4200 will either be a waste or a deal in the coming months when the skills learned come into play. Mayor Hamlin stated that he had been noticing council discontent in some of the ways they were communicating with each other and the public.

This retreat was designed to understand different styles people use to communicate. Rhonda explained the four types and had the council choose in order what type applied to them. It was very interesting and very accurate, at least when it came to my own side assessment. Rhonda went on to share stories to emphasize the importance of recognizing the communication styles of others. The meeting was light and informative. Others in attendance were, City Manager Larry Bauman, City staff person Torchie, Snohomish Times Todd Elvig and Snohomish Tribune Jessica Sparks.

The Tribune ran an article just this week on the poor communication skills used and continually attacks the methods used by Councilman Johnson. Hopefully this retreat will allow everyone the opportunity to adjust their way of communicating and to think before acting including Ms Sparks.