02-19-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission February 19, 1998 Page 4 had been communication to the previous Council, but that Ms. Vaske had been given this project at an awkward time. Chair Montain explained that at the January Charter Commission meeting Ms. Vaske suggested implementing the CIP at a more appropriate time, and asked if the present Council intends to follow through with this program. Mayor Sullivan explained that Council has not yet conducted its goal setting session, adding that the intent is to bring City plans more in line with the Charter. She referred specifically to Section 704 of the Charter, which calls for a financial plan including all City funds, and that Staff is in the process of developing such a plan. Mayor Sullivan stated that the City needs a five-year, or "strategic"plan, setting goals for a five-year period for annual review. She stated that Council intends to work closely with Staff to implement such a plan this year, taking into account Charter guidelines and the overall needs of the City. Chair Montain pointed out that at its January meeting the Commission voted to bypass 1998 and begin in earnest to develop and implement a five-year CIP in 1999. Mr. Pecchia explained that the Police Department developed a five-year CIP, and that even though very little was implemented during the first year the Department was able to extend the plan and certainly had a basis for achieving its goals. Council Member Lyden echoed commitment to implementation of a five-year plan, but emphasized the importance of such a plan being relevant as an accurate, working planning tool. Chair Montain expressed regret that this matter had not been effectively pursued in the past, acknowledging that a productive plan would require ongoing cooperation between the Charter Commission and City Council. He explained that the action taken at the January Commission meeting to bypass 1998 represents the Commission's intent to give this matter proper thought and preparation. Commissioner Turner asked if a starting point exists, and Mayor Sullivan suggested the budget as a basis for fund allocation. She added that the Charter Commission's five-year CIP must be tied to the overall strategic plan for the City, which would include such critical components as the 2020 Vision and the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Corson suggested that the Commission could benefit from Council's finalized goals for the City in the development of its five-year CIP. Chair Montain concluded that it is Council's goal to develop and implement a five-year CIP. Ms. Vaske suggested that a new, separate five-year CIP might be incorporated into the budget book. Such a plan would require less detail and would allow for a certificate of performance as well as a certificate for the budget. Ms. Vaske suggested that during the budget process Council and the Commission could work together to ensure that all goals are included, possibly through budget sessions including committees representing various interests. 4