By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Housing, the library and the oft-discussed absence of a full-service grocery store were among the items pinpointed in a recent long-range goal-setting exercise in Whitewater.
During his routine report to the Common Council on Aug. 1, City Manager Cameron Clapper highlighted some of the key takeaways from the planning workshop, which was held earlier this summer, as it routinely does each year.
“The workshop was held to identify and prioritize issues the city faces, as well as establish community goals,” Clapper wrote in a memo.
A cross-section of people throughout the community took part in the workshop in July. Representatives included elected officials, city staffers and residents.
Following past practice, the city enlisted the services of consultants Rick Bayer and Jean Cole, who represent the Cities and Village Mutual Insurance Company.
“A common group brainstorming approach was used to capture the input of those present, with the assistance of a facilitator,” Clapper said of the format. “Attendees were asked to create Post-It notes, containing issues they feel the community faces.”
The exercise yielded six specific issues, some of which have been explored in the past. The list includes improving organizational communication, both internally and externally; developing and establishing a staff appreciation program; improving housing options; establishing a framework for long-range planning; attracting a grocery store to the community and working proactively to expand the library and meet the community’s needs.
The strategic planning exercise included a glimpse into the progress reached for some goals. The grocery store pursuit, for instance, has been a hot topic in Whitewater for nearly two years. Whitewater’s Sentry closed late in 2015.
The proposed expansion of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has also been reviewed in recent years. One specific goal for that item is to obtain an updated space needs assessment for the facility.
