Minutes - Council - 01/24/2011 - Strategic Planning 1/24 & 1/25

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that as a disappointment. Mayor Ramsey felt that this was through no lack of effort. Councilmember Elvig stated there are hundreds of big box destination retails out there. If $40 million is not what we want to go after, all of Council should make that decision. Mr. Ulrich suggested that the HRA could have that discussion. Mayor Ramsey added that where they were going to go was not driven by our camp — it was driven by them. He thought progress has not been made — they are still chasing them but you cannot chase something that does not want to run. Councilmember Elvig expressed a disappointment that not all the Councilmembers were privy to information. Parking Lot Item: 1) Communication of COR development — Communication is an issue. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that when our out of towners are in town, staff should send out a message that they are here and when the meetings will take place. Councilmember Backous added that on any issue, he wants the same information as everyone else is given. Director of Public Works Olson stated he is disappointed with us on Dysprosium Street and not getting that done. He learned he needs to be better at explaining the ramifications of certain things. Councilmember McGlone stated he is disappointed in the lack of enthusiasm for privatizing some of our functions. Mr. Ulrich gave some examples of privatization that has happened — cul- de -sac plowers, electrical inspector and some mowing. Mr. Olson stated that some things have worked. Councilmember Wise stated that if it is something that is done on a one year or two year contract, it's tough for someone in the private sector to gear up for that — purchase equipment, etc. Mr. Ulrich stated we are not getting the bidders — maybe we need to make the contracts for longer periods of time. He added that we need to identify some of these things now. Mayor Ramsey stated he was disappointed in how long it took to get the City's website going. Some directives the Council gives takes too long and the website is an example of that. Another one he mentioned was the lion's plaque for the shelter at Central Park and he wondered if that was ever done. He added that it's not that he doesn't understand why but maybe some of that stuff needs to be reprioritized. If it's not getting done in a reasonable amount of time then come back to the City Council and let them know there is not time to get this done. Councilmember Backous suggested that maybe the website is a place to privatize. Then an already overburdened staff would not be burdened with it. Lessons Learned: Consider privatization to do some of the things talked about — and that staff needs to communicate back to the City Council if they are unable to get something done. Councilmember Elvig suggested maybe a staff update of what's accomplished and what's lagging. Mayor Ramsey added that he does not see this City Council hammering on staff if they do not have time to get something done. Councilmember Elvig stated that he feels this Council City Council/Staff Strategic Planning Session / January 24 & 25, 2011 Page 5 of 9