01/23/2006
CITY COUNCIL VISIONING SESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 23, 2006
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
William C. Jonson Vice-Mayor
Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Carlen Peterson Councilmember
Also present: Bill Horne City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order
.
Finalize Vision Statement
Facilitator James Moore, PhD. reviewed top priorities identified at the last Visioning
session and the list of City strengths and weaknesses. Discussion ensued regarding vision
language.
Consensus was to amend the Vision Statement to read: “Sparkling Clearwater is a
uniquely beautiful and vibrant waterfront community that is socially and economically diverse,
that reinvests in itself, and is a wonderful place to live, learn, work, and play.”
Discuss Priorities Grouping
Dr. Moore said the community did not share the Council’s priority of communication and
suggested they prioritize Vision Statement categories. Discussion ensued regarding groupings
with remarks that Council and community priorities were similar and “green” should reference
parks as well as the environment.
Mission Statement
Discussion ensued regarding Mission Statement language with concern expressed that
residents want improved services, but do not know the cost. The City Manager said since 1998,
few citizens have attended budget hearings held throughout the City. He felt the community is
comfortable with Council budgets, and said the Council has done a good job of meeting resident
needs. It was recommended that the Mission Statement remain simple and be able to fit on the
back of a business card.
Consensus was to amend the Mission Statement to read: “To provide cost-effective
municipal services and infrastructure necessary for a high quality of life for all our citizens.”
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Marketing Plan
In response to Public Communications Director Doug Matthews’ request for input
regarding introducing the Vision Statement to the public, recommendations were made to print
the Vision Statement on City business cards, bi-fold street maps, cards that fit in shirt pockets,
and rack cards. Staff will develop ideas. The item will be agendaed for February 2, 2005.
In response to a question, Dr. Moore said some cities use SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to develop master and follow-up plans. He
suggested Clearwater use SWOT to guide future decisions. It was stated that SWOT had
identified the need for affordable housing at City community meetings.
Discussion continued with comments that citizens need to know that the City does not
ignore neighborhoods, most people want incremental changes in their neighborhoods, and
progress has been made on traffic calming, etc. It was felt the City should concentrate on
partnerships and improve communications to residents with pertinent information regarding City
services. Concerns were expressed that increased construction costs may delay some projects
and that promises should be kept. It was stated that the education plan involves a continual
process improvement.
Staff will submit suggestions to implement the education and vision plans.
Joint Council/CDB Work Session
Consensus was to schedule a joint Council/CDB (Community Development Board) Work
Session on February 27, 2006, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:04 a.m.
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