MEMORANDUM

To:     Mike Wildgen

          City Manager

From: Debbie Van Saun

          Asst. City Manager

Re:     visioning and goal setting for City Commission

Date:  March 30, 2004

Earlier this year, the City Commission indicated an interest in participating in a goal setting session.  Additionally, it was mentioned that a visioning component might be desirable.  To that end, several area consultants have been contacted to gather information on their work with municipal governments regarding visioning and strategic planning.  I have talked with or reviewed the websites of seven (7) area consultants, whose services include:

o defining vision,

o aligning the vision with a strategic plan,

o creating and strategically implementing plans which increase sustainability and quality of life for citizens,

o managing for results,

o leadership development, etc.

Here is the specific direction and input needed in order to proceed:

· How does the Commission wish to proceed with the goal setting process this year?  Shall we use the same format as in the past?  Shall we use the same consultant?

· Is the Commission interested in proceeding with a visioning element?  If so, would this be a separate process or part of the aforementioned goal setting exercise?  Would an RFP be appropriate, given the number of consultants in the area that presumably would be interested in providing these services?

· Within what time frame will we be operating?  Shall this continue to be part of the foundation of the budget process?  If so, a May date for completion of these exercises would be ideal. 

· All of the consultants I spoke with indicated a desire to get more detail from the Commission regarding what type of visioning would be helpful.  This detail, once obtained from the Commission, could be provided as part of the scope in an RFP.