02-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of City Council FROM: Chris Heineman, City Administrator DATE: February 13, 2019 RE: Strategic Planning Proposal BACKGROUND: In recent years, the City Council has typically held an annual goal-setting workshop with members of the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and representatives from other local community organizations. Based on conversations with staff and a review of meeting minutes, it appears that the goals discussed in these workshops have provided direction for 4-5 top goals for the following year. The 2018 goal setting session resulted in the following goals: 1. Redevelopment – Develop a plan for the use of the remaining balances in TIF Districts 2.1 & 3.2; Consider exploring proactive options for targeted redevelopment areas; Evaluate buying land and holding sites for redevelopment verses buying at the time of development; Discussion on targeted redevelopment areas. 2. Develop a plan to help create a Little Canada Downtown 3. Parks – Complete Parks Master Plan and prioritize for implementation; create a policy on easement acquisition for trails; Redevelop Spooner Park Playground; and review and develop plan for increased parking at Spooner Park. 4. Sheriff – Work with Ramsey County Sheriff on critical incident response process and understand hiring/training practices; develop a plan to provide information and context to Little Canada to keep us informed; consider creation of emergency communications plan. Many of these items are in progress or were completed, while others may need further evaluation. While all of these goals are strong priorities, they stop short of providing a long-term vision or the implementation steps to achieve that vision. The goal of a strategic plan is to establish a practical vision for the community and identify clear steps the City will take to achieve that vision. With the 2018 election behind us, the first quarter of 2019 would to be an ideal time to initiate a multi- year strategic planning process. In preparation for this, I have already initiated some information gathering steps including the U of M Extension Retail Trade Analysis and engaging ULI MN for a ‘Navigating your Competitive Future’ session scheduled for February 27, 2019. I have also been in contact with Richard Fursman at Hue Life to discuss his availability, and the following dates have been tentatively selected: • Wednesday, April 10th (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) • Saturday, April 13th (4-6 hour retreat format) The attached proposal outlines the proposed scope of a strategic planning process. Additional information will be provided at the meeting to consider and discuss.