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City manager outlines strategic-plan priorities ahead of budget; council to finalize in May or June
Summary
City Manager Randy Heaman presented a draft strategic plan update listing personnel development, facility upgrades, recreation projects, stormwater work and code enforcement priorities. Council suggested adding waterfront/conservation zoning and other items for the comprehensive plan and indicated the document will return for adoption in May or
City Manager Randy Heaman presented an updated strategic plan to Oak Ridge City Council that staff said will inform the fiscal year budget and operational priorities. Heaman described the document as largely an update that incorporates council direction received throughout the year and noted staff involvement across departments in drafting the plan.
Key additions and emphases: The draft plan includes workforce development items (a merit-based evaluation program, tuition reimbursement options and new training for police and fire), a document-management initiative, upgrades to public facilities, the Rails-to-Trails project and continued planning for airport/site alternatives. Under recreation and parks, staff added a line to "develop a plan to repair the Oak Ridge outdoor pool facility," plus attention to pickleball courts and Pellissippi Blueways. The plan also calls for work on the animal shelter design and a municipal building space needs study.
Comprehensive plan and zoning: Several council members asked staff to include language or follow-up actions that would create a conservation or waterfront zoning category, particularly to address FIR-to-private transfers and waterfront protection. Heaman and staff said the comprehensive plan and subsequent zoning ordinance rewrite would be the appropriate sequence to create an overlay or new district to preserve shorelands and conservation areas.
Public infrastructure and public safety: The plan adds wayfinding signage and requests to explore tornado sirens and other public-warning considerations; staff committed to look into options and add them to the plan. Heaman also noted $2.5 million was obtained from the state legislature this year for body cameras and highlighted stormwater project planning and street paving schedule adjustments.
Process and timing: Staff will return the strategic plan for formal council consideration in May or possibly June; council members were invited to submit additions and staff said it will circulate slide charts and maps for review. Heaman framed the plan as the guiding document that will be used to prepare the FY26 budget.
