City of Robins, Iowa
Goal Setting Report
November 30, 2009
_______________________________
Mayor:
Ian Cullis
City Council:
Marilyn Cook
Chuck Hinz
Roger Overbeck
Don Norton
Brad Sevcik (Council-Elect)
City Staff:
Lori Pickart, City Clerk
Bill Wilkinson, Planning and Zoning Administrator
Mike Haeder, Police Administrator
Facilitated by:
Jeff Schott
Institute of Public Affairs
University of Iowa
City of Robins, Iowa
Goal Setting Session
2009
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................. Page 3
Goal Setting Work Session ... Page 3
Major Accomplishments . Page 4
Issues, Concerns, Trends, and Opportunities Page 5
On-Going Priorities Page 6
Priority Projects, Programs, Policies, and Initiatives .. Page 6
Organizational Effectiveness .Page 7
Final Comments ............................................................................ Page 7
Exhibit A Significant Projects, Programs, Policies, and Initiatives Considered Page 8
City of Robins, Iowa
Goal Setting Session
2009
Introduction
The City of Robins requested the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) to assist the city with goal setting. IPA agreed to organize and facilitate a process that involved the following steps:
Goal Setting Work Session
City Council Members and the Mayor held a work session conducted by the IPA on November 30, 2009. In attendance and participating at this meeting were Mayor Ian Cullis, Council Members Marilyn Cook, Chuck Hinz, Roger Overbeck, Don Norton and Council Member-elect Brad Sevcik. Also in attendance and participating in this meeting were City Clerk Lori Pickart, Planning and Zoning Administrator Bill Wilkinson and Police Administrator Mike Haeder.
Major Accomplishments
The following were identified as major accomplishments during the past two years:
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities
The following were identified as issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that may affect future city services, policies, finances or operations:
Availability of grant programs: USDA is Robins eligible?
Impact of Sattler Addition (in Cedar Rapids) on Robins (traffic, police, etc.)
Encroachment of other cities on our borders
Delay in Tower Terrace Road interchange at I-380
Dependency on residential tax base.
Development of a commercial development plan to encourage commercial development
Expansion of So. Troy Park and completion of a permanent shelter/pavilion and restrooms at East Knoll City Park.
NW quadrant development utilities
Need to replace older end loader (IT-28) with a bobcat.
Public Works has expensive machinery which will need to be replaced and funding will be needed
Need for South Mentzer Road sidewalks
Need to prepare for commercial development (parking requirements, signage requirements, lighting requirements, etc.)
Need to consider way-finding signs
Staffing concerns as city grows
On-Going Priorities
The following were identified as on-going priorities for the upcoming 12 24 month period:
Priority Projects, Programs, Policies and Initiatives
The Mayor and City Council reviewed potential projects, programs, policies and initiatives for consideration and selected the following as priorities for the upcoming 12 24 month period (listed in priority order):
2 (Tie) East Knoll Park Phase II
Medium Priority
5 Expand and refine long-term water and sewer expansion plans
6 Develop a plan to improve appearance of Main Street
A complete list of all programs and initiatives considered by the Mayor and City Council members is attached as Exhibit A.
Organizational Effectiveness
The Mayor and City Council reviewed a variety of ideas relating to improving organizational effectiveness to accomplish the selected goals and priorities. After review and discussion, the Mayor and City Council selected the following steps to improve organizational effectiveness:
Final Comments
It was a pleasure to assist the City of Robins with this goal setting process.
It is important to note that the prioritization of projects and initiatives is not "cast in stone." They can be modified as new circumstances may occur. It is recommended that an "action plan" be developed to accomplish the planning goals. The action plan would define the steps that would be needed to accomplish each goal, identify who is responsible for implementation, and establish a timeline for accomplishment. The action plan should be reviewed and approved City Council. It is also recommended that the Action Plan be reviewed quarterly by the Mayor and City Council to monitor the status of implementing the goals.
Jeff Schott
Institute of Public Affairs
University of Iowa
December 1, 2009
Exhibit A
City of Robins
Goal Setting Session 2009
SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES OR PROGRAMS CONSIDERED