98-232 Resolution No. 98-232
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING THE STRATEGIC PLANNING GOALS
WHEREAS, the Elgin City Council and staff engaged in an
intensive two-day strategic planning session on June 13 and 14 ,
1998; and
WHEREAS, strategic goals for the community were formulated
from extensive dialogue; and
WHEREAS, the goals formulated in the strategic planning
process are an extension of the Ten Key Issues formulated from
extensive community dialog in developing Elgin' s Five Year
Plans; and
WHEREAS, the strategic direction provided will be
incorporated into the 1999 Budget and 1999-2003 Financial Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the following goals are hereby
adopted as a policy document of the city to guide strategic
planning and operations .
I . Long-Term (2004 ) Goals for the Community:
A. Top Priorities :
1 . Safe Community
A. Reduction/elimination of gang activities
and presence--increase public support.
B. People feeling safe--anywhere, anytime in
our city.
C. Reputation as a "safe city"-statistics to
prove our city is safe.
D. Trained citizens involved as partners in
community safety.
E. Achieve police/fire presence in the
community--optimal resource deployment.
F. Timely response to emergency situations.
2 . Recreational/Leisure and Cultural Opportunities
for All Citizens
A. Improve number and qualify of recreational
facilities/amenities (public/private) .
B. Increase recreational programs and cultural
activities .
C. Respond to the diversity needs : age,
cultures, including needs of middle class .
D. Maintain quality of parks and playing
fields .
E. Work in partnership with community
organizations and private sector.
3 . Enhanced Nei.hborhood Vitalit
A. Diverse neighborhoods with the "uniqueness"
preserved.
B. Improve city infrastructure/public rights-
of-way and facilities serving the
neighborhoods--streets, street lights,
trees, sidewalks .
C. Active neighborhood associations as
responsible partners with the city.
D. A place for families : a feeling.
E . Sustaining and improving code enforcement
and assisting residents through education
and grants, more attractive and quality
buildings--including overcrowding.
F. Preventive approach to preserving homes,
working with residents and landlords .
G. Support for neighborhood business--incor-
poration of neoclassical design in new
neighborhoods .
4 . Balanced Economic Growth--Expanding and
Diversifying our City Tax Base
A. Attracting quality businesses with family
wage or higher jobs .
B. Active retention of current businesses .
C. Providing quality infrastructure to support
development.
D. City working with various business groups .
E. Expanded retail and restaurant opportuni-
ties .
F. Sustaining retail businesses--long term.
B. High Priorities :
5. Range of Quality Housing Opportunities
A. Maintain and improve the quality of
existing homes .
B. Retain first-time home owners--housing
available to move up.
C. Increase number of homes--quality for
middle and upper incomes .
D. Positive reputation: Realtors, outside
world; value of our homes--"quality of
community" and "education" .
E . Amenities available for families .
F. Quality education.
6 . Alive Downtown
A. Improved physical appearance and quality of
buildings .
B. A community focal point--our living room--a
destination for entertainment, business,
housing, shopping.
C. Diverse activities and events for drawing
people to the downtown.
D. Corporate partners working responsibly with
the city.
E. Increase number of businesses, housing
units and events.
F. Appropriate parking.
7 . River as a Community Resource
A. Public access to the river for use by our
citizens .
B. Enhance appearance of the river throughout
our community, reduce amount of
unattractive areas .
C. Amenities for people along the river.
D. Citizens recognize the river as a
community-wide asset.
E . A focal point for community pride.
8 . Financially Stable City Government: Providing
Efficient Services, Having a Quality Infrastruc-
ture
A. Cost effective service delivery, responsive
to citizens .
B. Increase financial reserves .
C. Maintain or lower property tax
rate--diversifying our tax base.
D. Maintain or increase bond rating.
E. Maintain and improve quality of existing
infrastructure
F. Planned infrastructure for new development.
G. Define criteria for economic development
incentives .
H. Positive, stable labor--management--em-
ployee relations--ownership and participa-
tion.
II . 1999 Policy Work Plan:
A. Top Priority:
1 . Code Enforcement.
2 . Gangs : Action Plan.
3 . Recreation Center: Direction.
4 . Zoning/Development/Comprehensive Plan Ordinance.
5 . Riverfront Plan/Blueprint.
B. High Priority:
6 . Golf Course: Direction.
7 . Financial Plan and Policy: Review.
8 . Growth: Plans for Future/Ongoing.
9 . Public Works Facility: Direction.
10. Communication/Public Information Strategy.
11. Neighborhood Strategy Refinement.
s/ Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: September 23, 1998
Adopted: September 23, 1998
Vote: Yeas 6 Nays 0
Attest:
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk