2010 will be a busy year as I have an aggressive agenda. I am confident that my colleagues on the Council are not only up to the challenge, but excited to see what positive change we can bring in 12 months. A crucial part of making any change is planning, so, as Council President, I outlined Plainfield’s major needs and put a schedule together that would provide the Council with the best plan for addressing those concerns. Each quarter (approximately) will have a different focus.
Q1: INTERNAL FOCUS
During the beginning of the year the Council will focus on the basics – identifying priorities we can all agree on, creating short-term goals and putting the City’s financial house in order.
Committee and liaison appointments will be voted on early in the year (Tuesday night, in fact). These appointments are key because Council members will be assigned responsibility for representing the Council’s concerns and keeping the public informed on specified matters.
2010 Budget Adoption is a goal for early this year. I hate the fact that we will be adopting this budget so late in the fiscal year, just like everyone else. The good news is the Council is taking the lead in internal 2011 budget planning. We will not be in the same position again.
A retreat is being planned. Currently the retreat is scheduled for February, however that date will likely change as some scheduling conflicts have been pointed out. In addition to fostering a better working relationship between the Council and Administration, the retreat will provide an opportunity for City leadership to discuss areas of agreement and create a plan for progress.
Q2: RECONNECTING WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS
Once some basic housekeeping has been completed, the Council will focus on reconnecting with the community. At this point we will be able to share 2010 goals and priorities with the public and get feedback. In addition, the Council will dive deep into subjects that have serious community implications.
4 Town Halls are scheduled for March and April. The Council will hold an open forum in each ward. Residents can submit any questions in advance to their representatives. Answers to these questions will be prepared, an update will be provided by ward leaders and residents will have an opportunity to address their concerns on the floor.
2 Working Sessions are scheduled for May and June. The Council will explore Economic Development and Social Services at those sessions. Our current state and our desired state on these issues will be discussed.
Q3: 2011 BUDGET PROCESS
A wise person once told me that a city’s budget is not papers, but a living, breathing document. It identifies a city’s priorities and illustrates city leadership’s vision. Although steps to address our financial concerns will be taken throughout the year, this quarter will mark the beginning of the 2011 budget process. The Council will review audit findings and hold budget hearings.
Q4: CREATING A LONG-TERM PLAN
This quarter will require the most communication and joint effort by the Council and Administration. By now, I would hope that budget introduction and adoption is completed or in the works with most of the action needed to stabilize taxes taken earlier in the year. During this time, the Council will begin piecing together a long-term plan for the City. Each committee will have met and reported throughout the year, identifying strategies that are necessary to move the city forward. What should Plainfield’s finances, downtown and services be like in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? What areas should we be investing in now and down the line to make that happen? These are the questions that we must begin to grapple with this year.
The 2010 Plainfield City Council Calendar has been published and is available on the City’s website.
I will be blogging through the year about much of what is included in this post. I look forward to hearing your feedback.
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6 comments:
Great start Annie. I would also add that it would benefit Plainfield greatly to have a marketing and PR plan. Would also like to see technology take a lead in greater government efficiency.
Looking forward to another great year.
Thank you and I look forward to the ward open forums. Hopefully we can see this info on the city website soon!
Thank you for this proactive approach. Has the council and city also reviewed the PMUA 2010 budget as called for in the Interlocal Service Agreement? Please explain the $4.3 million "OTHER" category.
Hello Ms. McWilliams
I'm hoping that you will be able to shed light on the youth baseball issue. I was under the impression that the city would not be running a youth baseball league, but now, as recent as Sunday/Monday, Dave Wynn announced that he would most definitely be running a city baseball league.
If he is openly disrespecting and lying to the city council, how can you expect any one else to give you all the respect you deserve?
If I read you correctly you and the council are taking responsibility for the 2011 budget to be completed and enacted on time.
No excuses.
I live in Plainfield. I am sending this to everyone and anyone who could possibly assist us with this problem.
Our City Council voted against the Plainfield Recreation Department to start a youth baseball league. Dave Wynn, the head of the division of recreation, openly went against the City Council and started one anyway. He has 60 children enrolled, whereas Queen City Basball League (a youth baseball league already in operation in the city) has 200 children enrolled. Dave Wynn has "reserved" ALL the baseball fields in Plainfield with no intentions of "sharing" the facilities with the children who happen to be enrolled in the Queen City Baseball League. Really, how can 60 children utilize all the fields in Plainfield Monday thru Friday?
I have to ask why is this allowed? What is the point of having a city council if their decisions are totally disregarded by the "head guy" in the recreation department? We have asked the Mayor for assistance, but from my understanding she has turned her back on the children of Plainfield so that she can maintain her friendship with Dave Wynn.
I am asking ANYONE to help us. Our children want to play baseball. The pettiness of the adults involved are sickening.
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