08-26-2025 (Strategic Planning SessionSTRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION — FINALIZING THE PLAN
AUGUST 26, 2025 — 3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Members present: Mayor Gary Forcier called the session to order. Members
present were Tim Burley, Dave Sebesta, Pat May and Chad Czmowski. Others
present were Matt Jaunich, City Administrator and other city directors and staff.
1) Review of Strategic Plan
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich explained
that this session is a follow-up to the session held last month. Mr. Jaunich noted again
that the seven core areas of focus for the City are public safety, health & recreation,
transportation, economic development, environment, good government and housing and
all these areas of focus are incorporated into the strategic plan. Mr. Jaunich also
reviewed the eight strategic goals that were identified in 2017 that staff feels are still
relevant today. These goals include:
1) We want to be known as a destination place for recreation, art and leisure.
2) We want to have a growing, diverse economy with a skilled workforce.
3) We want to have a variety of housing for a broad range of households in our
community.
4) We want to have welcoming and safe city facilities to service current and future
generations.
5) We want to have cost effective, reliable, and sustainable energy and practices.
6) We want to have high quality, multi -modal transportation and infrastructure
systems.
7) We want to have active citizen engagement, participation and involvement.
8) We want to have fiscally responsible management to serve3 community needs.
Mr. Jaunich also reviewed the various ideas, barriers, and projects that were identified in
the planning sessions held last year and at the last session in achieving the eight
strategic goals.
Mr. Jaunich lastly reviewed the four strategic directions that will assist staff and Council
in achieving the eight strategic goals. These directions include Planning, Growing,
Engaging and Paying.
Mr. Jaunich noted that staff had put together one to two year goals and three to five
year goals to accomplish on the strategic plan and want to get more
feedback/input/direction from the Council on goals/projects that should be added,
removed or changed. Some of the "big ticket" items that were discussed at the last
strategic planning session included:
Sales tax renewal and other expanded funding options
Funding for new ladder truck
City Center remodel
Future of Event Center
Utility expansion to Hwy 22 & 7 intersection
HATS facility upgrade
Prioritizing Park and Recreation facilities — new and old
General discussion was held regarding the large interest in housing developments by
developers that have been presented to the City since the Spring of 2024.
Mr. Jaunich spoke to the Council regarding gauging their desire for Parks & Recreation
projects when so many requests are being made to the City. Mayor Forcier noted that
maintenance of projects/facilities needs to be considered when new ones are taken on.
Mr. Jaunich also spoke about the large repairs/maintenance that are required on current
facilities such as the aquatic center and ice arenas and other facilities. Council Member
Burley also spoke about the large costs of maintaining current facilities and new facilities
and he suggested that if organizations request a project they must have funds raised to
contribute to the project. Council Member Czmowski noted that he doesn't feel a strict
policy for fundraising efforts can be pinpointed because it will always be a moving
target. He stated that he feels the amount of money raised, the amount of people/users
affected, and such need to be considered with each project. General discussion was
held regarding the use and future use of the Event Center/Senior Center. General
discussion was also held regarding potential sales tax renewal. The general consensus
of the Council was to maintain what the City currently has and only consider other
projects if organizations have serious funds raised to contribute to the project.
Mr. Jaunich asked the Council to consider any changes they feel need to be made to the
one to five year goals that have been identified by staff. Council Members did express
that updates to facilities such as the ice arenas, aquatic center, other parks/recreation
facilities, etc. should attempted to be funded by a sales tax. Council Member Czmowski
asked that staff put together an estimate to add on to the Rec Center for a senior center
space as well as an estimate to renovate/update the Event Center.
2) Next Steps/Future Meetings
Formal approval of the strategic plan will be placed on an upcoming City Council
agenda.
Motion by May, second by Czmowski, to adjourn at 3:55 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier
Matthew Jaunich
Mayor City Administrator