Before starting anything baseline information would be helpful to understanding or determining the results to be achieved. It is difficult to start change without a base to evaluate if a difference was accomplished. There appears to be a gap between City Council and staff and the public on how they view themselves and the effectiveness of government. It is important to close the gap between where the city sees itself and the public. The reason Boulder government has worked so well is because of the staff.
Timing is the key issue.
Now is the time that a different direction or process can be designed for the new council and city manager to approach issues differently then in the past. In the past, the city manager would identify issues and bring them to the Council's attention. There is a need for a champion for the cause. Maybe that is a role or strength of City Council since there isn't a City Manager right now. The champion could rise to the role during the process of defining the issues.