Minutes 08/21/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUGUST 21-23, 1996 The Clearview Business Park project The Urban Partnership The 1-73/I-74 project and other transportation issues The old hospital facility on Starling Ave. The old American furniture site and other similar properties The Uptown program The old Henry County Courthouse A regional industrial site The Virginia Museum of Natural History Education needs Public-private relationships Citizen involvement and public information processes were key topics of discussion throughout the discussion on Council effec- tiveness. Consequently, a number of Public Information Strategies were listed as potential enhancements to council effectiveness: Public television coverage of Council meetings and other public functions Increased coordination of newsletter information with town meetings and key Council issues, and greater focus of newsletter articles on community issues More use of the City's internet home page for communications with the public Possible creation of a Public Information Officer, to be shared with the school system Improved multi-media technology in the Council chambers Conduct in-house training for staff and Council on public communications It was agreed that the objectives of an improved public information effort should include increased public understanding of community strategies, and increased public participation in the formulation of such strategies. The next segment of discussion, facilitated by Mr. Blackman, was an extensive review of the goals and objectives of Council's 1995-96 Strategic Plan. Most goals and objectives were either fully or partially met, but several had not been completed. It was agreed that all results of this review would be documented by Blackman and Associates, and produced in the consultant's report, in detail, along with the updated plan. Council then adjourned for dinner at 6:00 P.M., and began dinner at 7:00 P.M., where they continued their general discussion of the day's work until approximately 9:00 P.M. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1996 Council reconvened their retreat meeting at 7:30 A~M. on August 23, and began their session with a discussion of education issues and Council/School Board relations. Following a review of the previous year's policies and agreements on roles and relationships, and on the budget process, Council moved into a discussion of new objectives and action steps related to education. The following