March 18, 2024

Council finishes up goal setting session

Newton City Council and staff met on Thursday to finish a goal setting session that was started on Sept. 7. Led by Jeff Schott, director at the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa, council and staff discussed organization effectiveness initiatives they would like to city take place in the future.

Those initiatives include:

• Having a strong and purposeful approach to succession planning, staff development and performance.

• Holding forums on the Strategic Plan to complete assessment regarding leadership style of city administrator for the future.

• Continuing SWOT analysis for this questionnaire (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).

• Continue to better communication on projects and other matter of important.

• Continue weekly reports and Strategic Plan Reports.

• Continue use of council discussion agenda items and workshop sessions, including field trips to various city departments.

• Continue Improved communication with partner organization.

• Continue service initiative to change organization culture to be more customer service oriented.

• Decisions should be more data driven.

• Provide council reorientation.

Previously the group discussed accomplishments identified in the city during the last few years, issues and concerns throughout the city, ongoing commitments and obligations the city is currently involved in and new programs, projects and initiatives the council and city staff would like to undertake.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com*