As a way to keep the public and the city council informed on the work of city staff, a monthly update will be given on the city’s action plan starting in September. One of four essential purposes, as determined by the council in January, will be discussed at the second council meeting each month.
“Last January, the city council adopted our 2015-2017 action plan. It started this last July and we are going to start having regular reporting on the action plan starting next month,” Management Analyst Natalie Umsted said.
The plan was adopted by the council in January and was implemented in July to build upon the city’s comprehensive plan as well as the city’s mission, vision and value statements. It serves as a more detailed guide of what city staff are working on to further the city’s goals.
The first purpose is that Newton will provide a safe community. It will do so by enforcing the laws, providing public safety community education, preparing for and immediately responding to all emergencies and providing a safe transportation network.
“The second essential purpose is that the city of Newton will encourage economic development by creating a strong and vibrant downtown,” Umsted said.
It will also work to create retail growth and development at the interstate interchanges and commercial corridors, increase local jobs and partner with other economic development.
Fostering a high quality of life is the third purpose designated by the city. To accomplish this, it will work to improve neighborhood quality and general curb appeal, grow opportunities for community involvement and improve Newton’s reputation. Growing the number of new housing units and encouraging improvements to existing residential homes and complexes are also a way the city will work to succeed in this purpose.
Finally, the city will have an effective, efficient, democratic governance. Continuing in areas such as being good stewards of the city’s financial resources and assets and aligning technological resources will help to improve services, convenience and access to information.
Work being done in these areas will be brought to the council on a rotating basis. Each will give an update three times a year highlighting work that is being done and answering any questions the council may have.
“I love this concept. I think it will keep us current and it is also a fluid document as well so if things chance, priorities change then we can stay away of that to. This is excellent,” Council Member Lin Chapé said.
The safe community purpose will be discussed at the September meeting with economic development to follow in October. High quality of life and effective, efficient democratic governance will follow in November and December with the cycle starting over in January.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com