Ark Valley News - Kechi council sets goals for next year

Kechi council sets goals for next year
By David Dinell
Last Updated: May 21, 2015

With the intent of using time effectively and making progress toward mapping out the city's future, the Kechi City Council approved a set of goals for 2016 at its May 14 meeting. The goals do not stand for everything the council has requested of city staff to accomplish, but it takes into account "enhancement projects" and objectives to be tackled as time permits, according to City Administrator Bob Conger.

The goals are an outgrowth of the 2015 Strategic Plan, which the council approved at its April 27 meeting. That plan includes a five-year outline aimed at directing the city to the another blueprint, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

"I feel real good about these goals," said Conger, who submitted the objectives and detailed them to the council. The goals selected were those believed to be greatest priority or affordable.

Officials say some goals will require a financial commitment, and those will have a funding source in the 2016 budget. However, other goals will only require "dedicated staff time." That's where the effective use of time comes in, he said, as the goals can be worked on as time permits so that if there is any open time, staff can promptly use it to make headway on the objectives.

The goals are items Conger and the staff feel confident that can be accomplished in 2016 or be started and on their way during the year.

They are:

•Develop a brand identity and marketing strategy.

•Appoint a task force to develop and recommend an economic development policy.

•Review and update the zoning code to focus on large scale commercial development along K-254.

•Pursue the creation of a regional corridor development group or association for K-254.

•Draw up a housing revitalization program.

•Create a redevelopment plan for the arts and business district.

•Develop a five-year CIP (capital improvement plan) that aligns with the city's strategic plan.

The council asked staff to provide feedback and regular updates, which Conger said will be done.

In other action, the council:

•Set an open house at City Hall for June 27. It will take place after the Kechi Fair parade, at about 10:30 a.m. and offer residents a chance to visit with elected and non-elected city officers. The open house is a means to promote Kechi's future, Conger said, and in that regard, officials will handout literature related to it, along with showing conceptual displays of plans. "There are a lot of contributions by a lot of good people," Conger said of ideas for the city's future. "The open house is an opportunity for us to get all that information out there." Light refreshments will be served in the lobby.

•Approved the replacement of a utility truck for the maintenance department. The city is replacing a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with a 2015 Dodge 2500 Crew Tradesman pickup from Davis-Moore Automotive for $26,800. The city will receive an $8,500 credit for the trade-in, so the final price will be $18,300.