Bloomington City Council members Monday night discussed development goals and strategies formulated during the council’s September Strategic Planning Retreat.
Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe presented a summary report of six Key Strategic Priorities in no particular order:
- Improve infrastructure
- Revilatize older communities
- Emphasize economic development
- Promote housing diversity
- Improve efficiency in service delivery
- Enhance public safety and well-being
Though the new set of priorities makes no mention of education, it otherwise reaffirms the core values laid out in the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2015-2035 : Dynamic neighborhoods;good education system; stable economy; small town feel with big city amenities; healthy community; solid infrastructure; and
efficient government.
Mwilambwe also presented a number of milestones that would indicate success in pursuing these priorities.
Council members did not indicate a timeline or specific actions toward achieving the milestones, but it was a non-voting session, so the priorities have not yet been officially adopted.
After the presentation, council members’ comments were relatively brief.
“We already have plans for…improving infrastructure and facilities, so I would like to see those plans implemented,” said council member Donna Boelen.
“Maybe if you just added the word ‘improve efficiency and effectiveness (in service delivery),’ that would help. Otherwise, the potential is pursuing efficiency without it being about quality (which) could drive unintended behaviors that would adversely impact the services that we provide to the community,” added council member Sheila Montney.
“I think we need to identify some things in this plan that we can make happen right away," said Grant Walch. "What can we make happen in the next six months? What can we make happen in the next twelve months? Let’s push forward and let's show progress for the citizens so we aren’t sitting back here a year from now and going, ‘Hey! We have a plan!’”
The discussion concluded with comments from City Manager Tim Gleason.
“This kind of conversation and report provides the clarity that I’m looking for so that I can fine tune those deliverables that myself and staff provide the elected and the community,” he said.
Gleason said he and his team could have a package ready for vote by the end of November.
