Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/21/2017 - Strategic Planning

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Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would not want to see the wording so loose that it takes away from the drive and momentum. Councilmember LeTourneau agreed that is why a goal is important to tie into the item. He asked if the business park mentioned west of Armstrong is still feasible or whether that item should be generalized. Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama provided additional details on the proposed business park, noting that they are in the process of rezoning and amending the Comprehensive Plan. He estimated that the timeline would be five to six months, should everything continue to move forward. He noted that a detailed case will come before the Council on March 14th. He also provided information on Highway 10 planning and a communications plan for the residents, businesses, and stakeholders. He stated that the communications plan will come before the Council in the next month or so. City Administrator Ulrich referenced code enforcement, specifically proactive versus reactive. He asked the opinion of the Council in terms of the level of enforcement provided. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that currently the City is exclusively reactive with code enforcement. He noted that it is a struggle to find a balance between enforcement and available staffing. He stated that at some time there would need to be more resources if there is a desire for more code enforcement activity. Police Chief Katers noted that it is a joint effort between Community Development and the Police departments. He agreed that if there is a higher level of enforcement desired there would need to be more resources allocated. He stated that they do hear the complaint of unequal enforcement but noted that they are reactive at this point. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that even at this level it is hard to keep up with being reactive to complaints. Police Chief Katers stated that perhaps this is not the best use of time for a licensed officer. He asked for the input of the Council on this matter. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he does not believe there is a problem and likes the reactive nature of code enforcement, noting that he does not want the City to go out looking for violations to issue residents. Councilmember Shryock agreed that the City should not go out looking for violations. She liked the reactive process but was concerned that staff has time following up on the complaints they do receive as that can be frustrating for residents. She noted that perhaps that concern could be addressed but still remain reactive. Mayor Strommen stated that the goal is not to punish people that are not compliant but to make sure that people feel safe and have pride in their neighborhood and therefore code enforcement should be the last tool used to reach that outcome. She asked if there are neighborhoods with City Council Strategic Planning Work Session/February 21, 2017 Page 8 of 10