2009 City workplan (Amended)

I posted this the other day, but I failed to put updates on where we are on these projects. My apologies, and here we go:

2009 City workplan
 Facilitate brownfield site redevelopment - The first step is to identify the key sites with consultant and EPA, before we conduct Phase 1 & Phase 2 site investigations. We are in the process of hiring a consultant at this time.

 Improve the City’s physical appearance - The first step is to adopt covenants for the new business park. A committee is working on these new rules at this time. We will install one or two new community entrance signs later this summer. The program was set back when we had to divert some of the money to cover the Fire District's shortfalls. We are also working on improving the West Fond du Lac corridor appearance, but it appears nothing will happen until later this year.

 Extend and further develop the west end - Staff is working on a study on extending infrastructure past Silver Creek on the far west end of the city. We will also be looking to implement TIF #6 plan recommendations, which will be coming soon from a consultant we hired last year.

 Review and restructure existing debt - The city faces some large increases in its debt payments around 2011-2012. With interest rates low, now is the time to look at re-financing that debt. At the same time, we will review an updated list of capital projects covering the next five years.

 Significantly improve the City’s website - We will appoint team to identify desired upgrades next month, then we will review the team’s report and determine the next steps later this summer.

 Promote the Housing Incentive Program - We are currently in the process of getting ready to conduct aggressive publicity campaign.

 Establish green corridor for Silver Creek - We will appoint a team to study creek upgrades, and then review team’s report and determine the next steps.

 Work with others on bike trail connections - We will be aiming to meet with area city & county officials this spring to coordinate our efforts.

 Create Parks, Recreation & Events Director - This project will be undertaken later this summer, as we review a potential job description, salary and funding options. If the position is viable, we will look to include funding in the 2010 budget (if desired).

 Hold meetings with other local organizations - We hope to be meeting with the Ripon Area School Board on May 11th. I would also like to see the County Board hold a meeting in Ripon later this year.

 Reconstruct Blackburn Street parking lot - We are in the process of finalizing the plans for the lot. There are a few land issues to resolve, but we are having good discussions with the neighboring property owners. We are working WITH them, not against them. Eminent domain/condemnation is NOT an option. Was I clear??? It is NOT an option. We want this lot to be something people are proud of, not detest.

 Adopt job classification and salary plan - Staff is updating job descriptions and salary ranges, and then will be asking the Council to approve position changes/pay adjustments later this summer.

 Redevelop the former Smuckers property - The Council voted this past week to move forward with sending out another Request for Proposals for the site.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to comment....