Minutes Archive

July 10, 2008 - Strategic Planning

Mayor Ron Sandack welcomed those present to the Citizen’s Summit portion of strategic planning session at 7:02 p.m. at the Downers Grove Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road. He introduced the evening’s facilitator, consultant Lyle Sumek, Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc.

Council Members Present: Mayor Ron Sandack; Commissioners Marilyn Schnell, Martin Tully, William Waldack, Sean P. Durkin, Geoff Neustadt, Bruce E. Beckman

Mr. Sumek outlined the agenda for session.

Participants were seated at tables. Each table included a staff member to record the ideas generated at the tables. Council members rotated among the tables. Mr. Sumek asked the Council members to listen, but not participate in the discussions. There were several rounds of discussion.

In round one, participants were asked to discuss where the community is today in terms of successes of the last year, how 2008 is different from 2007, and top three major concerns about 2008 from the perspective of a resident or business in Downers Grove.

The second round focused on the goals for 2013. Participants were asked to rank their top three goals from the following: 1) Top quality Village infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, stormwater) and facilities (Police Station, Village Hall); 2) Preservation of our residential and neighborhood character (housing condition and costs, property maintenance); 3) Exceptional Village organization (governance, financial resources to support services, performance accountability); 4) Authentic downtown – the heart of our community (retail development, residential development, unique architecture, community gathering place); 5) Vibrant major corridors (attractive appearance, business development – Ogden, 75th, Butterfield, 63rd, Fairview/Maple); and 6) Strong, diverse local economy (business expansion and retention employment opportunity in Downers Grove). Participants were asked to consider desired outcomes, challenges and opportunities, and actions and initiatives of the Village.

The third round focused on what exceptional customer service means to the participants, and a discussion of what the Village does well and areas for improvement.

The fourth round addressed issues the participants feel need to be addressed in the next 12 months. Following discussions in each round, participants at each table voted for the items most important to them.

At the end of the Summit, Mr. Sumek invited participants to write to the Mayor and Council on cards provided at the Summit.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.

April K. Holden Village Clerk