The directors of the various city departments discussed their goals for 2018 during the Austin City Council’s annual retreat Wednesday evening at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

Each department was given a 20-minute window to address the council and answer questions. The directors of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Planning and Zoning, Public Works, Administrative Services/Clerk and Library, as well as the fire and police department chiefs shared their goals with the council.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department

• Begin updating data and compiling it for a Park and Facility Master Implementation Plan;

• Continue to assess the park system to add upgrades, such as upgrading playgrounds and replacing sand in non-flood areas under play equipment with wood fiber or other options that meet conditions set by the American Disability Act;

• Continue to change recreation programming to adapt to changing needs and trends for youth and adults;

• Complete the Capital Improvement Program projects for 2018 and continue to plan future projects that enhance the park system;

• Request to carry funding from the 2017 projects that were started, but not completed;

• Partner with others to be a good steward to the environment; and

• Embrace new ideas and have an open mind on change.

Planning and Zoning Department

• Implement a rental licensing and inspection program to improve living conditions, protect housing stock and create safer neighborhoods;

• Develop a vacant registration ordinance using former rental registration as framework;

• Increase citizen engagement with community development and public works software iWorQ, online payment options and promotion of engagement opportunities;

• Adopt a proactive approach to property maintenance code enforcement as resources allow;

• Update Zoning Ordinances 2019, prepare a request for proposal and approve the budget (this will include recommendations for the extra-territorial area); and

• Continue neighborhood revitalization efforts with Habitat for Humanity.

Public Works Department

• Carry out street repairs as approved by the council for the 2018 Street Reconstruction Program, which includes work on projects at 19th Street Northeast, Fifth Street and 12th Avenue Northwest, 14th and 15th Avenue Southwest, Woodson School 2018 Phase and First Street Northwest Concrete Rehab;

• Continue work on the Infiltration and Inflow Reduction project to remove clean water from the sanitary sewer system; and

• Work to upgrade Waste Water Treatment Plant to meet new permit limits.

Administrative Services/Clerk Department

• Maintain the Cash and Investment Rate of Return at or above the rate of the Five Year Treasury bond, less 0.5 percent;

• Work with auditors for the 2017 audit, with no findings of non-compliance and another year of receiving the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the city’s Comprehensive Annual Finance Report;

• Complete the budget preparation and 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan on a timely basis in a method that is approved by a majority of the elected officials;

• Review implementation of new procedures and policies for email usage/storage to prepare for expected changes in the State email retention policy and educate staff on properly managing email;

• Work with Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy and the State Fire Aid Working Group to amend legislation regarding the use of State Fire Aid for both the Austin Part-time Firefighters Relief Association and the full-time members of the Fire Department;

• Work with other staff on the Vision 2020 Community Recreational Center; and

• Continue having an open line of communication with staff and other agencies to ensure everybody has input and an understanding of projects the city is working on.

Austin Public Library

• Continue and expanding upon existing programming and outreach;

• Continue work to develop Internet Hotspot program; and

• Leverage social capital to better the community by inspiring and facilitating increased social and civic engagement of all sectors of the community.

Austin Fire Department

• Four new helmets and new hoods for department staff to assist cancer prevention;

• Expand existing training program to provide new areas of service at the highest level for those in need of said services;

• Replace the fire station’s fire alarm system;

• Clean and paint apparatus bay walls;

• Secure new lockers for turnout gear; and

• Replace fire engine 302, which includes a pump, water, hose and ground ladders, with a new truck that will serve as the fire station’s first out truck.

Austin Police Department

• Implement new standards and training as set by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training for crisis intervention and mental illness crises, conflict management and mediation and recognizing and valuing community diversity and cultural differences;

• Continue running the annual Citizens Police Academy;

• Continue partnership with the Southeast Violent Crime Enforcement Team to reduce the availability of illegal drugs and associated criminal activity in Austin;

• Continue work with the leaders of the community to educate current and new residents regarding state laws and local city ordinances;

• Attend community events and grow a strong bond between officers and the community youth; and

• Seek approval to make the one part-time Community Service Officer position a full-time position starting in 2019.