CR 08-084 Resolution Approving the 2008 - 2009 Goals and Strategic PlanSeptember 2, 2008 Council Report 2008-084
Resolution Approving the 2008-2009 Goals and Strategic Plan
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2008-
050 adopting the goals and strategic plan for the City of Hopkins for 2008-2009.
Adoption of this motion will publicly state the goals and strategic plan for the years 2008
and 2009.
Overview
On a regular basis, it is critical to create and assess the goals and the objectives of the
community. The goals and the strategic plan contained herein, publicly state those
items that the Council wishes to accomplish above and beyond the normal operations
and everyday services that are provided by the City of Hopkins.
The City Council has been meeting throughout 2008 to revise the 2007-2008 goals and
create these new goals and strategic plan.
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2008-050, which adopts the goals and
strategic plan for 2008 and 2009.
Primary Issues to Consider
• How were fhe 2008-2009 Goals and Action Plan arrived af?
The City Council, with the assistance of city staff, discussed various issues
affecting the City of Hopkins. Draft goals and action steps were then developed
from those discussions. This strategic plan was then discussed with other
groups and organizations such as our Boards and Commissions. The final goals
and strategic plan are now being brought forward for final approval.
Supporting Information
• Resolution Number 2008-050
A
R c and B. G tschow
City Manager
Financial Impact: NIA Budgeted: YIN NIA Source:
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION N0.2008-050
A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF HOPHINS MISSION
STATEMENT AND ADOPTING THE
2008-2009 GOALS AND STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CITY OF HOPKINS
WHEREAS, the Hopkins City Council believes it necessary for an effective local
government to clearly establish it overall mission and to prescribe the goals and
objectives necessary to accomplish that mission; and
WHEREAS, the Hopkins City Council has previously adopted the following Mission
Statement
Partnering with the Community to enhance the quality of life
• Inspire
• Educate
• Involve
• Communicate
Together, all of city government pledges to:
* Continually enhance partnerships with citizens.
* Inspire citizen leadership.
* Educate and involve citizens.
* Communicate openly and effectively.
* Be responsive.
* Be fiscally responsible.
As a city council, we pledge to:
* Continually enhance partnerships with the staff.
* Lead in the creation of a community wide vision.
* Set policy.
As a city staff, we pledge to:
* Continually enhance partnerships with the city council.
* Develop and implement long term plans.
* Provide quality customer service that is:
- Responsive to the needs of the community.
- Innovative.
- Accessible.
WHEREAS, the Hopkins City Council has identified certain goals, strategies and actions
steps for the years 2008-2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins
re-affirm the previously adopted mission statement and formally adopt the listed goals,
and that the City Council, City Manager and staff are hereby committed to the
accomplishment of this strategic plan:
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
~ Goal I -Build on the Small Town Feel of Hopkins ~
Background: Asmall-town feel is a major part of the identity of
Hopkins. Surveys have demonstrated that it is also one of the
primary reasons people like living in Hopkins. Efforts in the
future need to capitalize on and enhance this important city
asset.
Strategy 1- Create a More Vibrant Business Community
1. Explore methods with the HBCA to better connect the
business community to the City.
2. Pursue state support and participation in allowing direct
TH 169 access to Mainstreet.
3. Explore ways to enhance the sense of place in commercial
centers including banners, public art, and directional
signage.
4. Research the development of design guidelines and
standards for Mainstreet from 12t" to Shady Oak Road.
Strategy 2-Promote and Enhance City Events
1. Identify at least three new ways to promote and enhance city
events such as Mainstreet Days and the Raspberry Festival.
a.) Meet with city event organizers to discuss the long
range plans for all city events.
2. Explore the viability of a new city event potentially featuring
city trails and facilities.
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
Strategy 3-Provide Accessible and Friendly City Services
1. Develop new methods to become more responsive to
citizens and customers.
a.) Track response rates to citizens and their requests.
b.) Provide maximum decision-making capability at the
customer point-of-contact.
2. Establish an employee training program to include quality
customer service, teamwork and decision-making.
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
Goal II -Enhance and Promote Smart Urban Design
and Walkability
Background: Hopkins has been recognized as a city that
encourages smart urban design. This includes the ability to walk
to stores and other amenities. Advancing these goals also
improves the small town feel.
Strategy 1-Improve Walkability and Physical Connections in
the City
1. Assess pedestrian connections and pedestrian friendliness
throughout the City with an emphasis on centers of
employment and housing along with connections to transit
and Mainstreet.
a.) Create a new sidewalk and trail-oriented master plan to
connect each residential area to a regional trail,
Mainstreet, and/or an LRT station.
2. Explore instituting a local shuttle service.
3. Partner with other agencies and governmental units (e.g.,
watershed districts and the park district) to enhance paths
and trails in the community.
4. Review and potentially revise city ordinances and policies to
ensure that they fit the goals of smart urban design and
walkability.
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
5. Institute a policy or plan whereby all new developments are
reviewed to ensure pedestrian-friendly design.
6. Pursue walkablilitydesignations/awards.
7. Post suggested walkinglrunning routes in city publications
and on the citywebsite.
a.) include distances between locations.
b.) delineate Landmarks and sites along routes.
Strategy 2- Go Green
1. Research the development of a program for business
incentives based on green development.
2. Pursue potential "Green Star" City Designation based on a
program to be designed by the League of Minnesota Cities
(LMC},
Strategy 3 -Healthy City Initiatives
1. Continue to promote wellness activities among city
employees and consider expanding initiatives to the entire
Hopkins community,
a.}research conducting acity-wide health-related event.
2. Provide two community forums promoting the National
Recreation & Park Association's ~NRPA} Step Up To Health
Initiative.
3. Lobby state and federal government officials to find methods
to reduce health care costs.
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
Strategy 4-Plan for LRT
1. Develop mixed-use zoning classification requirements that
support transit oriented development around proposed LRT
stations.
2. Develop a strategy to Investigate ways to control land
around proposed stations for future transit oriented
development.
3. Maximize internal trip capture -those that walk or bike to the
LRT station - by intentionally creating pedestrian friendly
environments on & near the station site and safe pedestrian
connectivity within 1l2 mile from the station.
4. Create a good pedestrian environment and pedestrian-scale
interest from parking locations to the station platform, from
the Central Business District to the station and from
residential TOD areas to the station.
5. Locate and plan for destination employment centers as close
to the stations as possible -within 1000' preferably.
6. Ensure that all Southwest Transitway impacts (noise,
vibration, traffic, economic, parking, utilities, environment
are identified and documented in the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement forfuture Federal mitigation funding.
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
Goal III -Take It to Them
Background: Hopkins has a reputation for strong citizen
involvement and engagement. The City needs to build upon that
strength by reaching out to deliver our messages and hear from
our stakeholders. The City will also strive to better educate the
community on a variety of city issues, policies and programs.
Strategy 1-Business Recruitment
1. Identify target businesses for recruitment based on market
analysis and community feedback on what else is needed.
2. Recruit one new target business to Mainstreet.
Strategy 2-Involve Minority PopulationslDiversity
1. Create aMulti-Cultural Advisory Committee (MAC).
2. Conduct a New Americans Academy.
3. Connect MAC to city employees, elected officials, city
commissions and the community at large through information
sharing.
Strategy 3- Engage the Rental Community of Hopkins
1. Conduct a pilot project at a specific location
(rental community) focused on community building and
citizen engagement
a. Increase City committee involvement
2008-2009 City of Hopkins Goals
b. Increase distribution of city materiallpublications
c. Increase voter turnout
d. Reduce resident turnover
Strategy 4- "Think Hopkins"-Marketing and Promoting the
City of Hopkins
1. Partner with the Hopkins Business and Civic Association
(HBCA} to explore a staff position responsible for the
marketing and promotion of the City.
Strategy 5-Citizen Engagement Initiatives
1. Create, distribute, and promote a citizen engagement
guide.
2. Conduct City Council and Board and Commission
meetings at off-site locations of interest.
3. Conduct presentations with different groups throughout
the community on city goals and initiatives.
4. Explore methods to expand the scope and reach of the
Citizen's Academy.
5. Provide for more interaction through the use of technology
and the city website.
a. online surveys
b. Topic or question of the month
c. "Ask Harley Hopkins"
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 2pd day of September, 2008.
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST;
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk