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

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1. Trying new ways of doing things isn't always smooth. We'll need to overcome temptation to go back to doing things the "easy" way. J. ' Enough staff to oversee new projects a. Finding the money In relation to the goal of redevelopment, there was discussion of adding the following obstacle: "City Charter disallows the 'assessment of sewer and water when going through an existing neighborhood with functioning sewer and water." It was determined that this is a long-term financing issue, rather than an obstacle. Council and staff split into small groups to discuss how to overcome the above obstacles. Results were as follows: Groun 1: Councilmember Dehen, Assistant City Administrator Nelson and Fire Chief Kanler focused on Item E: · Educate media - be more proactive - press releases/pitch story ideas · Provide information to residents - transparency- frequent messages - ex. Ramsey Town Center · As progress happens promote it - provide information to media/residents · Encourage community involvement - engage residents · Invest in physical image - entries & corridors · Consider renaming Ramsey Town Center Group 2: Councilmembers Look and Olson, City Administrator Ulrich and Director of Public Works Olson focused on Items A & D: Community Consensus · Balance expectations · Open, honest communication · Something for everyone · Intrinsic conflict, develop consensus building process Regain Trust · Open, honest communication · Allow healthy debate · Share the facts, background · Encourage referendums at presidential elections for key issues Group 3: Mavor Gamec, Councilmember Strommen, Police Chief Way, Interim Community Development Director Frolik and Finance Officer Lund focused on Items D & G: Regain Trust · Communication o Neighborhood meetings o OST o Clear, consistent message Funding · Know where we stand financially/update fiscal impact City Council/Staff Strategic Planning Session / February 2, 2008 Page 4 of8