I spent a lot of time last week talking to individual city commissioners about their plans and dreams for Arkansas City. It was interesting as you might imagine. The results of those interviews are going to be part of a series of articles this week.
The city does not appear to have an overall plan as such, but they do have some general directions.
They do have policies in place for economic development. The idea that there is no TIF policy is not exactly accurate.
The policies were put together by "city staff" and city manager Doug Russell gave them to the commissioners several months ago. Commissioners didn't take any action, and a couple of them said they wanted to look at them some more.
Russell told me that the policies were just guidelines, and as such, did not have to be voted on at all.
I have a copy. It goes into great detail about what is available and what is not, and what the city can do for businesses and industry. It tells them how to apply for various things, and under what conditions tax credits or breaks might be given.
The policies may get changed. But in reading through it, there is no difference made between industrial and retail. Just from reading the policy, I did not get the feeling that retail was rejected out of hand.
Of course that could change if that is what the commission wants to do.
Perhaps having policies are good enough.
But it might be good for the commission as a whole to set forth an agenda for the future, or a plan, that can be used to guide getting there.
Just my own observation on the whole situation is that we do not have a clear goal for the city.
We need someone to tell us where we are going and how to get there.
Whether that is the job of the commission remains to be seen.
But even in saying that, I do not think we should have another study.
We need some people of action to step up and articulate a goal.
Who will it be?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
12 comments:
I'm glad you brought this up. The commission is have a goal setting meeting tonight after the work session. It will be open to the public.
Patrick McDonald
why is it the city never has anyone in charge of contractors. did anyone else notice the christmas decorations on the poles were not lit up this year- a city employee told me its because no one was paying attention to the contractors around town as usual and they didnt put any electrical in the new street poles. now they r gone so who is going to do it? it would have been easier to do it when the poles were being put up, now the city will do it and they will probably look all crappy like they do at arkalalaa
I'm not sure how you are laying this on the contractors, or what city employees you might be talking to, but the preparation of those poles for the Christmas lights was the city's responsibility.
We discovered that it had been forgotten until to late to get it all done, so it was decided to put them off until we had more time.
I'm sorry you feel the city looks so "crappy" at Arkalalah. If you have ideas on improvements I would certainly love to hear them. Most of what people told me during that time is how impressed they were with the new look downtown.
If you have specific ideas you can write to me directly at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net.
Patrick McDonald
Here is a suggestion, if suggestions are what you are looking for. The City Commission should try listing to the city manager for direction and information. The city manager should try listing to the department heads for direction and information. It is not happening now! We are on a downward path! Our leaders need to listen!
Whether you believe it or not, I agree 100%!
Patrick McDonald
Great I'am glad you agree, now lets do something about it. I know several of your department heads and supervisors and it seems the system is broke. It is difficult for them to plan any vision or goals when the vision or goals are changed based upon the next election. Do tou ever ask the city department heads what improvements could be made. I have found it my passed work history it was easier and more efficient to ask the ones doing the work the best way to acomplish the work. I have since retired but it always worked for me. I am not one to gripe and moan but i have wittnessed their frustration which will only lead to the loss of good people. The loss of good people will lead to the loss of good service. The city's path needs some fine tuning. I can't stress it enough we need to listen!
I'm not sure how good it is to stir the pot. Listening to them is one thing, involving yourself amongst the group without their head would seem to accomplish nothing but confusion.
I would not like to involve myself in that sort of thing. Interfering would probably cause more confusion. They have the rout to make suggestions and show how improvements could be made. The new city manager has implemented many suggestions from department managers
You might have noticed that snow removal was faster and more efficient. Next year you will notice that mowings will be handled differently. There have been many great suggestions from the department heads and things continue to change.
I appreciate your efforts, but unless you have something to tell me or the city manager directly it would probably be best for us to listen directly from the city people.
Thank you for your concern, and if you have something you do not want to share in public you can email me at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net
Patrick McDonald
It is easy to believe what ever is funneled to you. I'am sure that it is difficult for the department managers, since they are not the ones that control the funnel. Have you ever tried to pour oil into a funnel? Very easy if your the one holding it. Have a kid or an inexperienced funnel holder do it and oil goes all over the place! Same applies to information and ideas.
Since you prefer to remain anonymous I find it difficult to understand what you are trying to tell me. What exactly they tell you, and how recently, for a start.
Are you suggesting that what the department heads tell me directly in not true?
Perhaps I should have explained that I talk to most of the department heads directly so I can stay abreast of what is going on. I can't say I talk to all of them as schedules do not permit, but I stay in touch with most on a regular basis.
If you would like to "come out" and tell us exactly what is on your mind perhaps we could understand more. I'm sure all of the people would love to hear from you.
Or if you would rather it be private you are more than welcome to wrtie to me directly at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net.
Patrick McDonald
"We need some people of action to step up and articulate a goal.
Who will it be?"
--------------------
Well, a couple of points, here:
There is no "last Thursday-ism" here. The condition of Ark City is the result of 20 years of _______.
Pat McDonald seems to be one of the ones helping to move Ark City forward. Don't shoot the messenger. Help him fix the problem.
Yep. The person to chart the course for Ark City is the manager of the city, the City Manager.
Welcome to town, Doug. There is an awful lot to do, but please use your "bully pulpit" to make things happen.
He's the guy who can step up and articulate the goals. It's his job. It will take a lot of guts to stay the course but Ark City needs it.
Well let me suggest a goal!
To promote Ark City, Strother Field and Winfield as a unique package.
That is not to take anything away from either site. They are each gems in the crown. They each deserve cosideration approaching opportunity. But growth might find favor on one over the other.
Now this is a stretch I know, but I have to ask if there is even the remote chance that Strother Field could be a base for an air/resuce or ambulance.
In doing so could you justify an EMS/Fire Substation. Is there money from insurance Fed/State coffers!
Do we get involved in finding a use for the Tango building?
Could it be a Truck Stop Convenience Store or attract a company with a fleet. I know its commercial property - but who's going to market Strother Field if we don't!
I remember CEDA and I wouldn't suggest a county wide approach but their has to be a central place or group of people that can field and research opportuinties. Is that a WEB Site I don't know - if it is then it needs to include the attributes of all three sites and contacts with sharing info.
May be to be manned by a group of retired industry/professional volunteers! I'd include persons from both towns maybe even ex-commissioners.
You got to market the area!
Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my site, it is about the CresceNet, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . A hug.
Post a Comment