The City of Rock Island announced the results of the annual strategic planning session conducted on September 18 & 19, 2010. The Mayor and City Council reviewed and agreed on a vision statement, goals, and policy and management agendas for the coming year.
"We have completed another successful strategic planning session for the City. Each year we review past achievements and determine what we should focus on for the coming years," stated Mayor Dennis Pauley. City Manager John Phillips noted that he will be sharing the City Council priorities with the City's management staff. "These targets give the staff clear direction as we begin budgeting and planning for next year."
Vision 2025
Rock Island is a growing city with beautiful riverfronts, a vibrant downtown and livable neighborhoods. Rock Island respects diversity and history. Our citizens have quality homes and places for enjoyment and fun. Rock Island is a proud community.
Goals 2015
§ Quality services, financially sound city
§ Grow the economy
§ More new housing opportunities, upgraded and well-maintained older homes
§ More and better retail
§ Great neighborhoods
§ Improve riverfronts and downtown
Action Agenda 2010-11
Top Priority
1. Budget: Make decisions on the property tax rates, service levels and adopt a balanced budget after seeking community input.
2. Economic Development Strategic Plan: Develop action steps related to the strategic plan and review and approve the plan.
3. Campustown: Work with business owners and Augustana College to develop a plan to increase business activity in the neighborhood of 30th Street and 14th Avenue.
4. Safer Community Task Force: Implement the recommendations of the Safer Community Task Force.
5. Casino Area Development: Take actions to support future development in the area near the Jumer's Casino and Hotel and the southwest area.
6. Liquor License Modifications: Consider changes in liquor licenses for license holders with the 3 a.m. extended hours option.
High Priority
1. Negotiations and Compensation Policy: Obtain collective bargaining agreements for all units for agreements expiring 2010 and 2011.
2. Mill Creek: Review options and develop a plan to address the flooding and environmental risks associated with the decision by the Corps of Engineers to cease the clean-out of Mill Creek South Slough.
3. Economic Development Position: Develop a position description and funding source for a new City position that would work to support the retention and
growth of small businesses.
4. Rental Housing Inspections: Maintain staffing and funding and implement an incentive to encourage landlord training.
5. Street Improvements Comprehensive Plan: Develop comprehensive plan to do street improvements in concert with available funding.
6. Market Rate Rental Property: Review market and determine potential for development of a market rate rental complex.
Management Agenda 2010-11
Top Priority
1. Management Succession Planning: Plan for and implement as needed, the replacement of retiring management staff.
2. New Police Headquarters: Begin preliminary planning for the future construction of a modern police facility.
3. First Army Strategy: Implement a strategy to encourage civilians and uniformed personnel moving to the Quad Cities to consider Rock Island as home.
4. Problem Properties: Identify the worst and chronic violators of nuisance ordinances and develop a plan to focus enforcement to obtain compliance.
5. Transient Boat Dock: Apply for funding for a transient boat dock at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.
High Priority
1. Emergency Communications System: Seek funding for an 800 MHz radio system.
2. Casino Area Development: Obtain approvals for interchange modifications at IL 92 and I-280.
3. Highway 92 Corridor: Seek federal and state funding for the IL 92 corridor project.
