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Council weighs strategic planning options and revives discussion of Water Street lighting
Summary
City Manager Cummins presented options for FY2025/26 strategic planning — keep the existing facilitator, hire a new one, run it internally, or pursue a longer-term plan — while councilmembers raised local priorities including Water Street holiday lighting and deer-management coordination with the DNR.
At the Dec. 4 workshop, City Manager Cummins presented several options for the city’s strategic planning process for fiscal year 2025/26: continue with the same facilitator, engage a new facilitator for a fresh perspective, conduct the planning internally led by the mayor and city manager, or pursue a broader long-term planning approach.
Cummins outlined the typical elements of the process: a community survey (included in the meeting packet), a half- to full-day workshop with council and staff led by a facilitator, and group discussions to refine and prioritize objectives. Council members discussed which approach would best refine city priorities for the coming fiscal year; no decision was made at the workshop.
Separately, during council comments several members returned to long-standing local priorities. Councilmember Clark praised the recent tree-lighting ceremony and said Water Street “needs lighting for the holiday.” Councilmember Muncey noted that adding lights to Water Street has been a local concern for more than 20 years, said he had talked with a business owner who strongly supports the idea, and volunteered to assist with fundraising or organizing efforts.
Councilmember Dean noted the Wildlife Committee meeting in Douglas to discuss deer concerns with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton said she was looking forward to the holiday parade on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
What happens next: council will decide how to proceed with strategic-planning facilitation and staff may return with recommendations; separate discussions about Water Street lighting and fundraising were left as ongoing items for future agendas.
