In an effort to set direction for the coming year, members of the Austin City Council adopted goals for 2001 Monday night.

Tuesday, February 06, 2001

In an effort to set direction for the coming year, members of the Austin City Council adopted goals for 2001 Monday night.

The council worked for several hours on Friday and Saturday at the J.C. Hormel Nature Center to finalize a plan for the coming year.

Council members will focus on the following areas during the coming year:

– Advance the making of infrastructure improvements that support industrial development objectives.

– Support initiatives and services for the changing community in coordination with Apex Austin in the areas of housing, transportation, education, child care, health care and public safety

– Prepare a five-year capital improvements plan that addresses the wastewater treatment plant, airport, parks, arena, pedestrian trails, 18th Avenue NW and adjacent area streets and other capital projects that the council supports.

– Address workforce needs, including city of Austin personnel, health insurance provision and funding and community workforce needs.

– Initiate steps that address the effectiveness of preventing flood damages.

– Address public safety in the areas of police, fire, dispatch and ambulance.

– Improve the public image of Austin with emphasis on utilization of the city’s Internet Web site.

– Continue enhancements in the downtown, especially along Main Street North.

– Emphasize intergovernmental communication.

– Be active and involved in issues before the state Legislature that have impact on the city.

After approving the goals for the new year, Councilwoman Jeanne Poppe asked: "Is there any way we can have these goals printed and posted?"

She suggested posting them on the bulletin boards near the entrances to the city building.

Councilman-at-large Dick Chaffee asked to have the goals included in each council member’s agenda binder as well.

Mayor Bonnie Rietz agreed both were great suggestions and made plans to implement them. She set a meeting for 4 to 6 p.m. March 8 for the council to discuss the steps necessary to becoming an effective council, as outlined by the League of Minnesota Cities.