Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/02/2008 - Strategic Planning Session

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Goal No.7: Create a Communication Plan for external and internal City communications. In relation to Goal No.7, Assistant City Administrator Nelson specifically requested direction as to whether there are any components of the Communication Goal that staff is not meeting. There was discussion regarding the above goals. Consensus was reached that Goal No.6 should not be a 2008 goal for staff to devote resources to. There was considerable discussion regarding Goal No.7. Consensus was to direct staff to review what other cities are doing in relation to communication. The information will be presented to Council for consideration of hiring a consultant to review and make a recommendation on the City's current communication procedures. Obstacles and Barriers There was a review of the following obstacles/barriers submitted by Council and Staff prior to the retreat with the order of priorities determined as noted: Prioritv No.2 (Tied with item F) A. Lack of community consensus a. Not letting the antidevelopment group take control. b. Resident opposition to change B. Inability of Council to work together as a team and agree (or agree to disagree) on collective goals. a. Lack of ownership in decisions over time. b. Lack of trust/respect at Council level. c. No unified City Council. Prioritv No.6 C. Change in Council/staff a. Strong administrative tendencies of past will need to allow for strong Council. b. Disregarding staff's input/experience/research. Prioritv No.5 D. Ability to regain the trust of the people. (Prioritv No.]) E. One of the biggest obstacles right now is perception a. Setbacks in Town Center have made developers wary of working in Ramsey. Prioritv No.2 (Tied with item A) F. Weakening of the Economy. Prioritv No.4 G. The funding to complete our goals without large tax increases. a. Creative financing without giving up position. H. Tax Base City Council/Staff Strategic Planning Session / February 2, 2008 Page 3 of 8