04-16-07 Full Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Amen Hills CounciVStaff Retreat 2007 Notes Prepared by Balbara K, Stranden BARRIERS AND OBSTACLES RANKED The most commonly cited obstacles or barriers to meeting the City's goals and priorities were "the staff", the "City Council" itself and the" relationship between the council and staff". These three factors are addressed under Council and staff Effectiveness. The other barriers identified were discussed and ranked by both staff and council. 1. Interdependencies: Many projects and goals depend upon reaching agreement with neighboring cities. state agencies. and the federal government. which can be a long and inefficient process and can cause delays. In particular. we need to development relationships with county and state traffic people in order to try to improve traffic situations. 7 2. Not Putting "US" in the future: Mentality: We need to "see" us in the future and not always "how we are now". It is easy to wonder "why" we need to change procedures or do something if we don't think about where we will be in the future. We need to grow "with" the City and not suffer the syndrome where the City grew but the staff and procedures did not. The mentality has to change to "anticipate change". This will make planning and reporting much easier and put us slrategically in a much better position to make decisions. 7 3. Ramifications of Public Financing on City and TCAAP. 5 (City Council emphasis) 4. We operate in a reactive mode, as opposed to a proactive mode. 5 5. A number of the residents consider us a mom and pop operation that is not very sophisticated and behind the times technology wise. 5 6. Being overwhelmed by TCAAP and all the decision revolving around the development. 4 (City Council emphasis) 7. Time and money are significant constrainls. 4 8. Substantial infrastructure costs for TCAAP. 3 (City Council emphasis) 9. Changing demand for the TCAAP product mix (housing types, office. etc.) The lrend may not always be what we are looking for. 1 (City Council emphasis) 10. Shortage of Retail and Restaurant options. Arden Hills is not a destination for those outside the City. 1 DISCUSSION POINTS: Ramifications of Public Financing: . Needs discussion . Conlrol vs. not much conlrol (only setbacks and heighls) . How it impacls existing residents... use care and caution . Affects operating revenues Interdependencies: . Initiate or not: discussions are needed . How we communicate with them o Need to have relationship with Federal. Government and other cities . TCAAP and transportation agencies . Have a negative history - for other communities/agencies 10