4/30/12
One of Mayor Lizee's big priorities in 2011 was to develop a Shorewood strategic plan. The Council and staff paid a consultant to start the process and held two meetings early in the year. Then, nothing.
Early this year former Administrator Heck was told to get the planning process restarted (why did Lizee and buddies wait one year to do this?). Heck did restart and held two work sessions, following a process and time table he had gotten the council to agree to. At the last of these sessions, he got told that he was on the wrong track despite the council having agreed on the process. Seemed that some council members really didn't understand what a strategic plan was and really wanted to focus on a few tactical issues such as budgeting (Siakel's hot button).
Lizee and her council buddies solved the problem by getting Heck to resign.
Now, there is nothing happening with strategic planning (the Insider was interested to see an item under Staff Reports about strategic planning on the last council agenda, but when the reports were made, nothing was said on this subject).
The only conclusion the Insider can reach is that Lizee and her council buddies want a binder they can put on the shelf with Strategic Plan on its spine. Actually doing the work to develop a plan is unimportant to them. This is similar to what's happened to the resident survey from earlier this year.
What a waste and a disservice to the staff and the residents of Shorewood.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Unless "Strategic Planning" had something to do with providing and improving basic city services, I am happy it is dead. Sounds like it referred to that South Lake visionary thing.
ReplyDelete"strategic planning", "community visioning", "community survey"... all feel good statements that look impressive on campaign literature. But unless somebody has the leadership and depth of experience, there is no next step, and so here we are. What next?
ReplyDeleteIt's an election year - The only strategic planning being done is by team Liz/Zerby for their re-election campaign. Things like survey results, or plans for hiring an administrator are secondary. Plus, Lizee is probably too busy organizing Excelsior's Art on the Lake event and can't be bothered with Shorewood's pesky issues.
ReplyDeleteLizee has a hand in the Art Fair? Figures. It used to be only local artists who showed there. Now it is full of exhibitors from all over the country. It has lost most of its charm and has become an extravaganza. I avoid it now, and I know a lot of people who feel the same way.
DeleteLizee has been, and based on her Linkedin page, currently holds the "Chair" position for Art on the Lake. She also co-chairs the annual Excelsior Library book sale, and works the Excelsior 4th of July event. Spends lots of time in Excelsior,not much in Shorewood.
Delete$2500 was budgeted for Excelsior fireworks --$7500 was contributed (as it will be this year). AIS contributions are now buried in the Park budget. Un-budgeted Xmas Lake expenses coming from where, who knows? Meanwhile, we need to cover a $34K shortfall for the SSCenter and the Fire District is knocking on the door to cover a $30k shortfall in their Relief fund. Council majority's strategic thinking - there is none. Between the Center and fireworks we're subsidizing $41,500. We have contractual obligations much more important than fireworks and other feel good operations. Grow up .. Get a grip!!
ReplyDelete