Discussion:
On February 13, 2018 the City Council participated in a strategic planning workshop to provide staff direction for 2018 and outlined several longer-term (LT) goals for future action. The workshop continued to build on the success of the 2016 workshop and the significant efforts of the 2017 workshop.
As part of the workshop discussion, the following areas (outlined in the categories of Finance, Parks and Recreation, Land Planning, Economic Development/Infrastructure and Miscellaneous Projects) were considered by the City Council as a whole to be priorities for the organization. Long-term issues are noted by (LT).
Finance
Low Taxes
Continued Financial Stability
Stable Tax Rate
Increased Tax Capacity
Increased Bond Rating – AAA (LT)
Parks and Recreation
Park Asset Planning Process
Park Building/Maintenance/Replacement Review
Private/Public Partnerships
Trail Signage (distance/locations)
Trail Connections
Park Asset Marketing
Recreation Program Review
Park and Recreation Expenditure Review
Land Planning
Life-Cycle Housing (density, affordability, market-driven)
River Crossing Capacity Increase (LT)
Riverfront Improvements (LT)
Economic Development/Infrastructure
Riverfront Development
Attraction of High Paying Jobs
Continued Downtown Improvement and Redevelopment
City Hall Parcel Redevelopment
Rev. Pond Statue
Developer Fee/Regulation Review
Miscellaneous Projects
Transparency/Communications
Community Engagement/Communication
Southbridge Fire Partnership (LT)
Upon approval, the items listed above will form the basis for the staff work plan for 2018. As part of that effort, staff will develop plans and bring items to council for any necessary clarification and/or decision points on key issues associated with an action.