03/21/2000CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 21, 2000
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
Also present: Bill Horne Assistant City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Assistant City Manager Bill Horne called to order at 9:08 a.m. at the Countryside Library.
Mr. Horne said this is one of a series of strategic discussions to review the City’s Vision, values, and budget philosophy. The City Manager said discussions will include how to incorporate
the Vision into the organization and gain the input and affirmation of the newer Commissioners. Quarterly meetings will be held to give the Commission and senior staff an opportunity
to dialog in a nonformalized setting. It is important to affirm and reaffirm the direction and decisions that need to be made, particularly over the next two years, regarding redevelopment
and related projects. It was remarked that government must be proactive rather than reactive.
The Vision statement was reviewed. Some of the elements in the Vision statement established in 1996 already have been accomplished. Consensus was that effective communication between
staff, the Commission, the public, and the press is vital. It was noted that different Commissioners require different levels of information. It was requested the City Attorney review
the Commission’s areas of responsibility whenever necessary, particularly during formalized meetings. It was remarked that common sense plays a key role in strategic planning. A common
sense approach to budget planning was requested. It was remarked that code enforcement issues must be addressed as they effect manpower levels and prevent deterioration of neighborhoods.
The Vision statement is a global one, but the details of how to prioritize it are important. It refers to tourism, public safety, and economic development. To be a distinctive community,
the City must maintain infrastructure and maintain a certain standard of living. It was suggested health and safety be the number one priority. It was suggested the Commission set
a global list of priorities or action plan for the upcoming year to help give staff a clear direction. The list can be reviewed and updated periodically.
The meeting recessed from 10:25 to 10:40 a.m.
Discussion ensued regarding consistency with which information is brought forth. Garry Brumback said staff can save a tremendous amount of time if given Commission direction regarding
philosophical and policy viewpoints. As projects are proposed, staff will work with other entities and develop partnerships to provide additional revenue sources. The City
Manager said the County is visiting the issue of a countywide recreation department. Some recreation centers were not built to proper capacity, only accommodate specific needs, and
are lacking in other needed services. It was remarked that for a city its size, Clearwater woefully lacks parks. It was felt that Internet taxation requires aggressive lobbying. It
was noted most citizens only look at the taxes imposed by the City on their annual tax bills. The School Board receives double the taxes that Clearwater levies. It was felt the City
should quantify dollars spent in the social services area. It was remarked that it might be cheaper to fund a grant writer position to help social services agencies become self-sufficient.
Decisions must be made as to what business the City wants to be in. It was felt the new main library is more a quality of life issue than an economic development project. It was remarked
the State is moving up the resurfacing of Ft. Harrison Avenue to 2001.
The next strategic planning meeting to discuss current operations and short and long term issues is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on June 5, 2000. The location to be announced.
The meeting adjourned at 11:28 a.m.