HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-26 WS Meeting Minutes - Approved
City Council 2013-06-26 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
Present were Mayor Tom Wilharber, Council members Jeff Paar, Steve King, D Love, and Ben
Fehrenbacher.
Present from Park and Rec were Pat Branch and Mark Haiden. Present from P&Z were Eric
Larson, Russ Koski, Matt Montain and Olaf Lee.
The purpose of the work session was to consider goals for 2013 and provide an opportunity for
committees to provide feedback to Council.
City Administrator Larson reviewed the 2013 Goals adopted by the Council. Major goals
approved by Council included encouraging commercial/industrial development, sale of excess
real estate owned by the City and increasing collaboration with neighboring communities.
Pat Branch of Park and Rec stated that he did not think the goals provided enough guidance to
the committees. He also suggested that each decision the city makes should point to a major
goal. He would like to protect the uniqueness of the city, its heritage and rural character.
Council member Fehrenbacher indicated that the three goals identified were intended to be
shorter-term in nature, brief and to the point. In addition, they do not replace our longer term
vision for the city. The identified goals were developed in conjunction with both committees and
specifically relate to spending, taxes and budget.
Administrator Larson pointed out that the city adopted a 20 year Comprehensive Plan that
provides guidance on park needs and future growth goals. These goals are not intended to replace
the Comp Plan.
An area of concern was the downtown. Consensus was that the downtown redevelopment plan
needs to be revisited.
P&Z Commissioner Olaf Lee suggested that the city might consider its zoning, if commercial
industrial development is a high priority. Having more flexibility in permitting uses would be
helpful.
P&Z Commissioner Koski asked the Council to consider the residents that do not come to
meetings but are paying for all the decisions in their taxes.
Council member King stated that much of what the city does is dictated by others, including the
State or Federal Government.
After considerable discussion by all, mayor Wilharber suggested that the meeting be adjourned
unless there is something that has not been shared and then thanked everyone for participating.
The meeting was duly adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Dallas Larson, Administrator