2016.02.08 CC Packet Goal Setting

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Development. Staff is closely monitoring the pace of development activity which has been increasing recently. Some ongoing development projects include Lavalle Fields, Fox Meadows, Prairie Village, Victor Gardens North Village, Clearwater Cove, Dignicare, Frenchman Place, Growing Generations Day Care, Park Dental, and others. There is significant interest in vacant, undeveloped land parcels as well. Last year, the City filled the vacant Community Development Assistant position, which has been extremely helpful in managing the flow of development in the city. Ordinances. After pausing to work on more urgent things, staff has resumed work on a list of ordinances that need updating, with guidance from the Ordinance Review Committee. The most urgent ones include: Subdivisions, PUD's, Parking, Churches and Schools. Marketing and Communication Efforts. Continuing outreach to residents & HOA's concerning services, programming, facilities, events, etc. Outreach to businesses, HBA, Chambers, real estate agents, etc, concerning city cooperation. General promotion of the City, and creation of new materials including printed items, videos, social media, presentations, web site, etc. Work with Greater MSP and other regional entities. Technology. The staff continues implementation of a document imaging system. This will convert the city's paper files to electronic files. The system will allow for easier searching of documents and is beginning to change the way the city does business. Comprehensive Plan. The Met Council has released the city's "systems statement" which marks the kickoff of the next comprehensive planning cycle. We are preparing the Planning Commission for this process and are developing a work plan and timeline for completion of potential changes to the comp plan that will be adopted in 2018. The Water Supply Chapter of the plan must be complete by the fall of 2016. Historical Commission. The Historical Commission will continue cataloging the City's history. They would like to hire an intern to assist with this task and the organizing and maintenance of their existing collections. The Historical Commission would also like to attract additional members. Council Salaries and Mayor's term. Questions concerning these items were asked toward the end of 2015, and Council will be updated at the goals workshop. A Beautification Subcommittee has been established to make recommendations on entry signs, landscaping, monuments, and other items to improve the city's appearance. Solar Subscriptions. Staff is evaluating whether the city should enter into proposed contracts to buy energy from solar gardens. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends council use the information provided to discuss and prepare a list of goals for 2016.