2021.01.19 CC Packet - Goal Setting Workshop

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Pine Place Apartments, Rosemary Apartments, and others. There are also several commercial projects underway. Interest from the development community continues in vacant, undeveloped land parcels as well. Economic Development. Specific efforts in 2021 will continue to focus on completion of strategies to encourage extension of infrastructure along 165th Street, collaboration on the new technology corridor and development within the downtown area. White Bear Lake School Facilities. The school district has recently passed a $326 million bond referendum for facilities. We have been working with District staff on planning for the new elementary school in Hugo that we expect will be under construction in 2021. That project will result in intersection improvements at 152nd Street and Hwy 61. Staff is providing input on the design, and is collaborating on possible joint use of common spaces within the new 100,000 square foot building. The District will also be finishing work on a new bus facility in the Bald Eagle industrial park this year. The District has interest in re-purposing the existing City Public Works Facility for their grounds maintenance operations facility, and staff is working on a related purchase agreement. Finally, there will be a building addition to Oneka Elementary, and Hugo Elementary will be converted to an early childhood center. Technology. The staff continues implementation of a document imaging system. Much of this conversion to electronic files has been complete, which is improving the way that service is delivered. Staff has also gone live with new software that allows for acceptance of on-line building permit applications and payments. As a result, much of the transactional business that used to occur at the front counter, occurs on-line instead. New A/V equipment was recently installed within the Council Chambers and Oneka Room, and virtual meetings have become normal with the pandemic. The City is now capable of performing hybrid meetings, and have expanded the ways in which the public can view and participate in meetings. Comprehensive Plan / Ordinances. This significant effort was completed in 2019. As time allows, the Community Development Department will begin implementation measures, which normally starts with an evaluation of city ordinances. The Beautification Subcommittee. This year, a new monument sign at the city’s north entrance is anticipated. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends council use the information provided to discuss and prepare a list of goals for 2021.