Jan 30 Planning Session

We had a planning session on Wednesday. Sort of a council meeting, but sorta not. It was, because we were all there, talked about city biz, and we kept minutes and all. Not like a typical meeting, as no decisions were to be made, and there was no public forum.

We just wanted to talk about where we've been, and where we would like to go. We last had one of these meetings 2 years ago. Here is what the mayor, council, and city staff indicated were the highlights and accomplishments of the last 2 years. (Some of these were listed from more than one person) In no particular order... Starting Britson park, Street Extension of Arthur and Bryan, Painting Water Tower, Updated Hardware and Software in City Hall, Handheld Meter Reading Upgrade, Running the Housing Grant, Swimming Pool Improvements, Cottonwood Property Demo and Sale, Sale of Property on Walnut/Cottonwood, Videotaped City's Sewer Pipes, Flood Mitigation Steps in Various Neighborhoods, Hired New City Clerk, Did Sump Pump Inspections, Got Through a RAGBRAI, Replaced Part Time Summer Helper after Retirement, New Basketball Court in Pool Park, Water Operator Upgraded to Grade II Certification, Replaced/Replacing two resigned Council Members, Created City Email List, Increased Use of Community Center, Replaced Media in Sand Filters at Water Plant.

I really like that list. That is a nice list of accomplishments that take in a lot of different paid and unpaid workers and volunteers.

We came up with a list of things we would like to see happen, or possibly consider--all of various difficulty to complete. More to come on that, as the council will formally come up with a list of things to focus on. Something I expect to be on the list is written 5 year plans on underground infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, and the same thing for streets.