Rolla leaders outline staff work plans, review council rules at May 11 strategic planning session

City Administrator Keith Riesberg opened Rolla’s strategic planning meeting on May 11, saying the purpose was “to help set direction for city staff as they work to implement long-term goals.” The meeting, held at Missouri S&T Protoplex, ran from 5:33 p.m. and adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

The session focused on governance and administrative practices. Riesberg urged adherence to defined roles and asked staff to prepare annual work plans that tie projects to the City’s broader strategic direction. He noted that, “as a third-class city, municipal authority derives from the State of Missouri,” framing limits on local authority and a rationale for following established procedures.

Councilmembers participated in round-table introductions and shared expectations for the planning process. The group reviewed a draft of Council Rules and Conduct; the minutes record that the last Resolution adopting a less detailed set of rules dates to 2008. Council and staff discussed that, after the new City Code is adopted on May 18, legislation will be introduced through a bill process rather than the prior procedure.

Riesberg also proposed establishing a standing monthly work session to support implementation; Councilmembers were asked to check availability with their families before committing. The council discussed possibly shifting regular Council meeting dates from Mondays to Tuesdays and agreed to revisit that scheduling question in June.

On communications, Riesberg asked that concerns about staff performance not be raised publicly and instead be directed to him so staff can address issues professionally. Council was encouraged to submit questions to staff early to allow adequate time for response and to copy the Mayor and City Clerk on certain ward-level correspondence.

Mayor Lister B. Florence Jr. requested future role-playing exercises to demonstrate effective communication techniques during emotionally charged situations. Council also agreed to remove the Ministerial Alliance prayer from the official agenda; the Mayor will coordinate holding the prayer before meetings begin so it does not appear on formal agendas or recordings.

Participants reviewed partnerships with local and regional entities and clarified governance relationships: Missouri S&T is a state institution and not under City authority, while the Mayor and Council appoint the boards for the Rolla Housing Authority, Rolla Municipal Utilities and Rolla Public Library.

As a next step, Riesberg said he will email the Council a list of proposed goals and objectives for feedback. The meeting minutes were submitted by City Clerk Lorri Powell. No formal votes or motions were recorded in the minutes.