10.2. SR 03-06-2017 EOty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session March 6, 2017 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Council Goal Setting
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Review and discuss.
Background/Discussion
The council and key staff met on February 8, 2017, to begin the process of developing council goals. The
program began with a SWOT Analysis,identifying core values and establishing a value statement.
The values identified by the council:
- Service (exceptional)
- Resourcefulness (revolutionize)
- Prosperity (inspire)
- Engagement (meaningful)
- Welcoming (community)
The goal of this discussion is to clarify the value statement and identify the council's long-term goals and
vision.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
■ N/A
POWERED 6T
Template Updoted 4/14 INAMIRE1
How do you want the City of Elk River to fit these general ideas?
Healthy Engaged Community—Working with organized and non-organized groups to promote community,
recreational events, and active lifestyle programming.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0— Not the Role of City Government
10— Expand rec programming to encompass all youth activities, young adult, adult, and senior programing,
community events (fireworks, concerts, events), etc. Regular staff coordination of community engagement to
discuss community issues (crime, traffic, maintenance, others).
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at a 5. Some rec programing, rec events like Concerts in the Park,
Spooktacular, Farmers Market, Night to Unite, etc. Lacking large community gathering events or location that
brings together all of our smaller compartmentalized community groups who are doing their thing
independent of each other. Little coordination with neighborhood groups outside of scheduled events.
Community Preservation/Infrastructure Maintenance— Maintaining the infrastructure we have, and
proactively planning and updating for future needs.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0— No investment into rebuilding public or private infrastructure
10— Dedicated funding for both infrastructure replacement and expansion to meet the needs of a growing
community. This includes public and private building assets, transportation networks, sewers, water systems,
communication systems, etc. Expansion of loan programs to fund enhancements of maintenance and
beautification of all private properties.
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at a 7. We have dedicated funding for most of our public assets and programs
in place to help with private home and business renovations. We recently expanded the WWTP, but have not
completed the studies needed to expand the Urban Service areas that are described in the Comp Plan.
Beautification—Appearance of the community, to include code enforcement, material and landscape
standards, property maintenance, and city initiatives.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0— No investment into aesthetic treatment or maintenance
10— Entrance signing at all city access points, decorative lighting, plantings, boulevard irrigation,
neighborhood beautification committees, manicured lawn space on all public spaces including the Trunk
Highway ROW. Proactive enforcement of all ordinances relating to signs, property maintenance, mowing,
trimming, garbage can placement, etc. Strict material standards for all new or remodeled buildings.
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at a 4. Ordinance enforcement is on a complaint basis. Some violations are
actively managed (temporary and garage sale signs) but many violations of the ordinance are evident.
Mowing and trimming standards of the public spaces, especially along the highways, is less than "beautiful'.
Sustainable Community— Environmental standards and initiatives.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0— Make no investment into sustainable efforts...we have a dump and a garbage burner.
10— Fleet and buildings are 100% efficient and sustainable with natural renewable resources. A community
that leads the nation with the lowest energy consumption, highest recycling rate and lowest garbage output.
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at a 6. Energy City and other programs unparalleled in Minnesota, still lag
many parts of the world in our energy and waste habits, leaving significant room for growth
Safe Community— Police and fire service
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0—Get rid of the PD and let the people police themselves
10— Increase PD personal to abolish all crime. Active role with neighborhood watch groups, PD partnering
with code enforcement to manage blighted areas, and additional police/fire stations to reduce response
times. Community perception is that everyone is safe at all hours of the day and all days of the week.
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at an 8. While there are still serious crimes committed, calls for service have
trended toward quality of life-type nuisance complaints. This represents a community feeling of being safe.
Business Friendly/Economic Development—Good business relationships and government incentives to
encourage business growth.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0— No subsidies and no programs. No Economic Development Department, let the free market make
investment in order to profit in their own business offering.
10— Incentivize all businesses who want to come to town. Stretch the but-for analysis to ensure all applicants
qualify for programs. Reduce tax burdens on all existing businesses and move the impact to the residential tax
base. Continually seek land to purchase, develop, and sell to developers as part of a financial package. Provide
financial/staff resources to assist with professional architectural and engineering design and business plans.
Where is ER? Staff feels we are at a 7. The city has purchased land and developed numerous business parks.
Development standards are somewhat relaxed (paving options, material standards, landscaping, and
screening) abundant variety of uses available in each district. City has been supportive of financial incentive
packages. We take an active role in the downtown business group. Staff regularly attends conferences to
seek out and meet potential businesses. ED and Planning staff adjusts review times to move complete
applications through development process quickly. Development fees are consistent with peer communities.