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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.b. Adopt City Council Goals 2008-2009 ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CITY COUNCIL City Council Regular Meeting: March 18, 2008 AGENDA ITEM: Adopt City Council Goals 2008 -2009 AGENDA SECTION: New Business PREPARED BY: Jamie Verbrugge, City Administrator AGENDA NO. q.b. ATTACHMENTS: None APPROVED BY: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt the City Council Goals for 2008- 09 ISSUE The City Council held a goal setting session at the end of January 2008. The goals discussion of that date was reviewed with the City Council at the February 19 work session. BACKGROUND Since 2003 the City Council has annually met to discuss issues of significance to and vision for the community, as well as strategies for addressing issues and setting a vision. This discussion results in the adoption of stated goals that help guide the work of staff and Council in prioritizing work flow, budgeting decisions and objectives. For 2008 -2009, the City Council has maintained many of the same goals and key objectives. Below are the strategic focal points for the City Council in the coming year: 1. Maintaining the levels and quality of City services 2. Implementing reasonable tax management strategies 3. Accomplishing downtown redevelopment 4. Achieving balanced growth 5. Pursuing amenities appropriate to Rosemount 6. Enhancing relationships with educational institutions in Rosemount While focusing on the broader vision conveyed by the afore mentioned goals, there are areas of emphasis for 2008. The Council identified economic development as a top priority, especially in support of the goal to achieve balanced growth. Recognizing that housing starts are likely to remain at modest figures, economic development strategies that focus on commercial retail, health care, and head -of- household job industries will be vital to growing and strengthening the community tax base. Strategies will include efforts aimed at business attraction, retention, and growth. The Council also identified continuing revitalization efforts in Downtown as an important initiative. With the first redevelopment project on Core Block East soon to be under way, efforts must shift to redeveloping the former Genz -Ryan property that is owned by the Port Authority and evaluating opportunities elsewhere in Downtown. Strategies supporting the goal of moving Downtown forward will also focus on working with Downtown stakeholders, especially in the area known as Core Block West and the American Legion block. Council Goals March 18, 2008 Page 2 of 2 Amenities within the community will be better understood pending the outcome of the April 22 referendum to fund the outdoor recreational complex and renovations to the former St. Joseph Church. In addition to these significant investments in amenities, Council has also identified senior programs and services as being an area requiring more investigation in 2008. Reasonable tax management strategies anticipate that current market trends may require some adjustments to service and staffing Levels in FY 2009. The budgeting process for the next couple of years is going to be challenging, especially if the housing market continues its lackluster performance and overall tax base figures remain relatively stagnant. Reasonable tax management strategies will need to closely balance the level of services and costs to deliver those services with other priorities. SUMMARY Staff recommends adoption of the six goals as presented or modified through Council discussion. 2