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2019-10-01 Ex 02 Okeechobee City Council: Strategic Planning Session- July 9, 2019 The Okeechobee City Council conducted a strategic planning session on Tuesday July 9, 2019 for the purposes of identifying working goals and objectives to guide the council and staff over a defined planning horizon. Inasmuch as, this strategic planning session was the first of its kind for the city, there is a large focus on goals and objectives which can be accomplished within the next 12-month period. The council also developed mission and vison statements to be the basis for accomplishing the goals and objectives noted below. Vision Statement: The City of Okeechobee will create and maintain a vibrant community built on our unique character, history and small-town atmosphere. Following the planning session, we received one suggested alternative from an attendee of the planning session: The City of Okeechobee will maintain a vibrant and prosperous community built on our heritage, history and our unique character. Mission Statement: The mission of the City of Okeechobee is to provide quality services which enhance our businesses and citizen’s lives while being committed to a fiscally sound community. Following the planning session, we received one suggested alternative from an attendee of the planning session: The mission of the City of Okeechobee is to provide accommodating services that enhance the quality of life for our citizens and businesses in a fiscally sound manner. ACTION ITEM- The city council should make a determination on the vision and mission statements prior to any adoption of the strategic plan. Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives: Captured below are the notes and direction given by the city council and members of the general public who attended the planning session. Many of the goals and objectives will specifically fall on staff, with oversight by the council to complete. To this end, the format below highlights the goal, objective and timeframe for completion/ progress. These metrics give a good snapshot of the expectations and the focus of budget priorities to assist in meeting the identified goals of the strategic plan. Goals Objectives Timeline Ordinances a. Parking Flexibility for existing structures/buildings Review ordinance for new and existing parking requirements 1 year b. Buildings c. Signage Review and update to minimize complexity for existing and new businesses 1 year d. Design Standards Review housing standards ensuring minimum sizes match HUD requirements for Residential Single Family 1 year e. Landscape/ Maintenance Review, update and, where appropriate develop minimum landscape requirements for RSF, minimum for commercial and downtown areas. Higher level of code compliance and consistent enforcement 1 year f. Beautification Develop and implement design for downtown including city parks and future public use facilities. Ensure there exists requirements for maintenance and enforcement for noncompliance 1 year for development. Perpetual commitment to ensure success Right of Way(s) Develop and Implement Plans for a-e 1 year, revisit every 5 years or as needed a. Striping of Roads b. Sidewalks c. Roadways d. Drainage e. Medians Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Review alternative for the establishment of a CRA for the City of Okeechobee. Pursue Grant Opportunities Establish CRA area from Report Charter Review Fund legal services and establish committee for review. Update for legal, all city functions and obligations to citizens 1-3 years* Time consuming process there was interest expressed to begin Charter Review process in the upcoming fiscal year contingent upon budget approval. Goals Objective Timeline Redevelopment/ Infill In conjunction with above goals, continue to work with Economic Development Council and maintain an active partner in the Economic Development Corp. to attract and recruit new businesses. Seek opportunities to work with traditional and new partners 1 year Fiscal Responsibility/ General Budget Overview Ensure transparency and responsibility to our taxpayers Ensuring a fiscally sound community Opportunities for City Innovative Projects including partnerships with companies such as Florida Power and Light/ Next Era Energy Annually, recurring Stormwater Master Plans Develop stormwater master plan which includes use of technically and economically feasible Best Management Practices and helps to achieve goals of Basin Management Action Plan. Ensuring new development meets highest water quality standards 1 year Septic to Sewer Conversions Consider mandatory connection policy for existing and new business where feasible. Work in partnership with Okeechobee Utility Authority to encourage expansion of sewer within city limits and new development. Provide assistance and support Okeechobee Utility Authority efforts to securing funding for projects. Annually Comprehensive Land Use Plan Review Complete a review of the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Focus on inconsistencies with land uses and zoning. 3 years Goals Objective Timeline Workforce Availability Continue and build upon relationship with public schools, Indian River State College and other regional training facilities to ensure training programs meet needs of community and create an employee pipeline. Work through Economic Development Groups and other partners to identify targeted employee needs 3 Years Family Friendly Community Preserve character and history while providing business and family entertainment opportunities. Explore, based on need and capacity establishing additional recreational areas/ opportunities as well as community gathering location for events, etc. Continue to be a business/ growth friendly community 3 years Annexation Fund and complete a formal study. Identifying areas where city can provide services. Identify areas which can provide a benefit to business and residents based on services received and tax rates 3 years Housing Availability Encourage development of affordable housing while ensuring adequate land use for multi-family developments. Maintain flexibility for new residents on both ends of the spectrum (i.e. new family and retirees). Coordinate efforts with county programs for housing on potential parcels currently within city limits 5 years Goals Objective Timeline City Industrial Park Encourage the recruitment of new businesses as well as retention and expansion of existing businesses. Continue partnership with Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation to identify parcels and potential businesses. Continue to address and improve upon traffic flow and main roadway corridors. 5 year The above plan provides a clear foundation for the city’s goals, objectives mission and purpose as it conducts business and interacts with its customers (taxpayers) over the short and long term. The council may choose to formally adopt this strategic plan in total or in part as they deem appropriate. At a minimum this plan provides staff with a road map of expectations and goals to achieve moving forward.