2005, 02-01 Special Joint Council/Planning Commission Meeting
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AMFlYDED AGENUA
Joint Mceting
Spokane Valley Gity Council/PIanning Commission
Tuesday. FcbraAry l, 2005
b:OA p,m.
Cit}• CDunci) Chambers
1 1707 East tipragvc 4vrnue, Spo{:ane Vallr:v. WA 99'06
WCLCOML
AGEIVDA TOPIC: Com Values as they Apply to the Comprehensive Plan
~:00 IntroductQry prcsrr►ta►ian -Ninu Rcgor
6:15 Sub-graups
7:00 BRFAK
7:10 Sub-Emups report
T:40 Votc
7:5_i Wrni-i-t ip - Niiia Repor
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A Gl'. NDA
,Ioint Meeting
Spol:ane Valley City CouncillPlanning Ci11?1T111tiS1()i1
Tuesday, February l, 200S
6:Oq p.m.
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6:15 Sub-gmup.
; -QO BRE.4K
11.10 Sub-groups rcp.)rt
?-4Q Vote
7:5ti Wrap_l_'r - VIIIa Rt1;of
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: February 1, 2005 City Manager Sign-off:
Item: Check all that apply: ❑ consent ❑ old business ❑ new business ❑ public heanng
❑ information (D admin. report ❑ pending legislation
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Joint Meeting: City Council/Planning Commission - Core Values
as they relate to the Comprehensive Plan
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: Council worked with the Planning Commission to
create a draft vision for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan; on January 18, 2005, the City
Council discussed the project approach and timeline.
BACKGROUND: The vision proposed for the Comprehensive Plan, once finalized, describes
what the community should be in 25 years. It provides a framework for the policy issues
identified in the Plan. The draft vision is: Spokane Valley - a community of opportunity where
familres and individuafs can grow and play, and businesses wilJ ilourish and prosper.
The core values provide the context for addressing those policy issues. Clearly defined values
will help the City identify what issues are the highest priority, and what strategies can best be
used to help the community achieve its vision. Having clearly defined values will also help the
City Council balance competing demands as it makes policy decisions.
The Community Values & Mission of the Town of Blacksburg, VA are attached as an example.
Spokane Valley may or may not want to include the same level of detail in its definition of
values, but it gives an idea of the types of things that could be included. This attachment was
also included as part of the January 18 agenda packet. Also attached as background
information is the powerpoint presentation delivered to Council at the January 18 meeting. The
last slide asks some questions about the proposed approach. There was Council consensus to
base the values on the draft vision statement, as opposed to starting the values discussion from
scratch. Council also decided to have senior management staff available as resources, as
opposed to having them directly involved in the deliberations.
STAFF CONTACT: Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
ATTAC H M E NTS
1. Community Values & Mission of Blacksburg, VA
2. Powerpoint presentation from the January 18, 2005 meeting
ACtschment 1
COIVIIVIUNITY VALUES &
MISSION
Community Values '
There are many values held by the Blacksburg communiry, each
reilected in the unique character of the town. Citizens have indicated
their high level of satisfaction witfi the "qual.ity of life" Blacksburg has
to offer. Quality of life is de .fined by a variety of factors such as
education, recreation, and natural or cultural features that are unique to
a community. Quantitative information including economic .
indicators, vital statistics and popularion data, education and health
figures, and other demographic data from the U.S. Bureau of the
Census dESCribes part of the qualiry of life of an area. The opinions
and experiences of the communiry embody the essence of the total
quality of life. .
Qualiry of life is determined by the values of a communiry. In order to
maintain or improve overall quality of life, these underlying
community values must be maintained and respeeted. The following
are key community values of the citizens of Blacksburg
Small towv feeUahnosphere - Small town feel and atmospliere has
consistently been raitked high by the citizens as they identify what
Ihey Iike most about living in Blacksburg. Like quality of life, small
town feel cannot be easily quantified. The following items Liave been
identified by citizens as contributing io Black:sburg's smaU town
atmosphere: people are friendly and you
know your neighbors; a comfortable,
relaxed attitude; a feeling of security and ~
a low crime rate; the beauty of the natural
envi.ronment; the presence of good
schools and publie services; community
festivals and f.ai.rs; a traditional, historic ~
. downtown; a feeling of high citizen -commitment to the community; managed
growth and development; convenient
access throughout Towm; a pedesCrian
oriented Dawntown; an easy going ~'r~ure Cv-1, Dvwntoivn ,
lifestyle; an attitude of conservation and R~ac~sbur~
strong recycling program; pride in our history; an attractive
community appearance with many flowers and gardens in both pubGc
and privatc spaces. 2.°ovcmbcr 27, 2001
lackcburg 2046 1 Community Values &Mission
\`atural surroundings and open space- Residents place a high value
on naYural open spaces and the views of the surrounding undeveloped
mountains. Protection of streams, natural vegetation, opeti spaccs, and
sceiiic views ,vill preserve this natural beauty far the enjoyment of
f'uture generations.
Attt•active community appearance antl cleanliness - One of thc
characteristics of Blaclcsburg that residents and visitors recognize on a
dai.iy basis is the clcanIiness and appearance of the town. The citirens
place a high prioriry on beautifying their environment through
IandscaPing; plantings in median strips, hanging baskets downtown,
street sweeping, washing of d4wntown Sidewalks, and well maintained homes and businesses.
Open Government - The Blacksburg community prides itself on the
high level of citizen input and community involvement. Key issues facing the town are
evaluated in open, public
u
meetings. A.U major public
meetines are televised on
the to,%m's public access ;
television station. Town
government works hard to be responsive to citizen
needs and to be custotner y'
focused, as evidenced bY iu Figure Cv-2,131acJCsburk Publec Meedng
E-government initiatives. There are many activc civic groups
including the League of Women Voters, the Neighborhood Federation,
and the Towmscape Cammittee, wliich are active in community aff.airs. '
The town is fiscally saund as demonsh-axed by low taxes, a diverse
revenue stream, a high bond rating, and reasonable user fees - all of
these supportiug high quality senrices.
Community partnerships - Many community partnersliips have
developed and have had a profound effect on communiV activities and
facilities. Town-community partnerships have contributed their
resources to projects such as renewing the Lyric 7"heater, the Hand-ln-
I-iancl Playground, downtown streetscape improvements, and
renovations and improvements to the 131acksburg branch library.
Parinerships have also provided gazLbos in Town parks; lights at
soccer fields, ajid have prorroted activiiies such as the town's
Christmas Parade: the annual Steppin' Out Festival, atld Fourth of July
fireworks.
iYovembcr 27, 2001
~la~}'sburg 2046 2 Community Values R Mission
Public Safety - Citizens of . ~ .
Blacksburg value the safety
of the cammunity and its low
crime rate. People can walk
safely at ❑ight and, enjoy a
pleasant Downtown without
"inner-city" problems. A safe Figure CV-3, ll'nlice Ca,
living environment contributes to the overall quaLity of Iife in
Blacksburg.
Quali'ry land development - High quality land development is
demanderd by }31acE:sburg citizens. Devclopments that preserve open
space and natural features are more attractive to residents and help to
protect natural areas for the enjoyment of future generations. In a
survey' on the qua(ity of development in Town, citizens Provided
opinions on what characteristics represent high quality development
and what represents poor quality development. Exterisive and mature
landscaping was the most f.requent examplc of high quality
developmeni in both residential and commercial areas. In residential
areas citizens also prefer large aeeas of open space, maintenance of
natural streanls, recreational facilities, sidewalks, and tugh
architcctural quality. In commercial areas, the communiry prefers
shared parking for businesses, siciewalks, street lighting, high
architectural quality, limited signs, and landscaped parking areas.
Chdraciaristics tl•iat repie-seiited poar development include clearing af
natural vegetarion, orrstreet parking, too much or too little exleriar
lighting, largr; expanses of asphalt, and large domi.nant structures.
Moderate cost of living - Citizsns of Blacl:sburg enjoy the modcrate
regional cost of living. The community is provided with many of the
amcnities of a large population center, but in an affordable small town
atnosphere without "big-ciry" problems.
Vxried emplayment opportunities - The community places a high value on varied employment opportunities. Blacksburg and its
surrounding commun.ities _
provide various opportunities
to work in a stable economic
environment, There is aIso
interest in attracting new
industry ta Town.
Tecluiology oriented, clean,
norrpolluting industries providing training apd Figure CV-0, Corporate Research
skilled jobs are targeted.
November 27, 2401
R1HCksbur p 204 3 Conimunity Vahies fi. Mission
!'lanned growth and develc►pment - Citizens svongly support long
range planning for the fulure gr•omh and development of the tawn.
The community Expects the town to aniicipate aiid plan for future
opportunities and Problems. A proactive approach helps the
communiiy avoid f'uture difficulties and prepares citizens and Town
ofFicials to devclop proper solutions when problems do arise.
Recreational opportunities - Citizens value the variery of
rr,creational opportunities available as illustraxed by the strong citizcn
involvement on the
~~t - ,t ;~C,,t/?~'4 -~t,y~,?z •~,3 . -ar=c
Recreation Advisory • a '"'t-a
Board. Botli formal
pCOo 11T15 Al]d lI].fOriTl1l
~ - 'J -
~ '
recreational
opportunities exist to
satisfy almost ~ ~ - -
everyone's needs. The
tAW21 SpOIISOTS v1rI0US Figure CY-S, rVellie's Cuve Park
youth and adult sports
leagues as wzll as norrathletic recreational activities. Parks and
playgrounds are scattered throughout Town, and surrounding arPas
such as Brush Mountaul, the New River Trail State Parlc, mid t6e
Appalachian Trail provide a variety of outdoor recreational
opportunities.
A diverse community - One of ths primaty rcasons Blacksburg is a
special place to live is the diversiry .of its citizens in age, nationality,
religion; race, and ethnicity. The town has citizens from all over the
w4rld as the university atvaccs outstanding professionals and students
from across the state and country, as well as abroad. This divcrsity is
seen as avery positive eleinent that makes Blacksburg a great place to
live, work, and connect with the various cultures found around the
world.
Intellectually stimulating
environment - Blacksburg
~f
is a progressive communiry,
. ~
in an inteUectuall -
Siimulating environment
Its citizens place edLIcation and scholariy thought in high csteem. T"he presence -
of a major universiry also
brings Blacksburg Figure CV-6, Busruss, Virgiriia Teclr
internation3l and ethnic
Novcmber 27. 200I
alac}sburg 2046 4 Community VQlues & Mission
diversity, an attitude that is conducive to chanEe and new ideas, a
greater environmental consciousness, access to innovative technology,
and a diversity of cultural activities and the ar[s which are not
generally found in scnall towns. A quality• public school system adds
to this intellectually stimulating community.
Sound tinanc.ial management - Citizens demand Ilat the town
sustains a sound financial condition at all times. Sound financial
conditidm may be defincd as the town's ability to pay bills, annually
balance the budget, pay future costs, and provide neecied and desired
services. Sound financial condition requires tlexibility that ensures the
town is in a position to react and respond to changes in the ecanomy •
and new service challenges without measurable fnancial stress. This
also requires adherence to the best accounting and management
practices, which means conformance with generally accepted
accounting procedures as applied to governmental units. The town has
adopted a set of financial principles that it follows. These principles
require an annual balanced budget, guidelines far the funding of
operating costs, guidelines for fmancial planning and reporting, '
guidelines for the operation of entcrprise £unds, and a recommendation
that the toum maintain a bond rating of A or better. . A full listing of
these financial principles can be found in the Town of Blacksburg
Annual Budget.
Citizen Involvement - Citizen participation in public affairs is a key
eomponent of the Biacksburg communiry. The high participation rate
of citizens on various authoritics, boarcfs, cotnmissions, conunittees,
and task forces is a strong indicator of citizen invalvemcnt. This high
Ievel of citizen participation demonstrates that Blacksburg citizens are
concerned about the community's well being and are determined to be
actively involved 'n creating a better and strongcr future. Over 300
citizens are actively involved in more than forty authorities, boards,
commissions, committees, and task forces that are either appointed by
. Town Council or recognized by Council for their participation in
Blacksburg's local government initiatives. The Downtown Advisory
Group (DAG) is an example of one these committees and includes
citizens, elected officials, and Town staff. The purpose of the group is
to help strengthen the economic diversity, cultural iniegrity, and
aesthetic appeal of Downtown Blacksburg. Their efforts havc led to -
the development of a Downtown Master Plan; an economic
development corporation, and improved joint planning with Virginia
Tech
November 27, 2001
Blacksburg 2046 5 Cammunity Values & Mission
Mission
Town of Blaclcsburg
Tl1e government of the Town of Blacl:sburg exists to promote and
sustain a superior quality oT life in Blacksburg. ln partnership witll the
community, Town staff pledges to deliver cost-effective services in a
personal, responsive, wid innovative manner.
Tlie CCoveri7ment of Blacksburg Val.ues:
Citirens as customers, deserving the highest qualiry of services
delivered by a local government
Encouragernent of progressive thinlcing through employee
involvement and teamwork
Fairness, integrity, arid u-ust as essential qualities of ethical
govecnance
An open, acccssible govern.inent, where citizen involvement is
vita]
❖ A communit}, renowned for its beaut}J and cleanliness
Talcing pride and achieving the highest qualiry in all we do
Positive liaisons with local governmental organizations
Achievement of a positive solution to every, problem
People as our most important resource
Responsibility and accauntability
Public safety for all citizens
E-ver}, citizen contact is an opportunity to demonstrat.E;; these values.
November 27, 2001
Alacksbure 2046 6 Community Valucs F. Mission
Core Va es:
Project pproach and Timeline
Nina Regor,
Deputy City Manager
January 18, 2005
[What are Values?
■ Values are the deepseated, pervasive
standards that influence almost every
aspect of our lives
■ We are motivated and make decisions
based on these values
■ Values answer the question, "what's
important?"
ccfe cammictlr vWum bnupy tB, 2005 2
1
Different Levels of Values
■ Individual values
o Personal ethics
■ Organizational values
o Provide employees and decision-makers
with a sense of common direction and
guidelines for day-to-day behavior
■ Community values
tav Gxcmurtty vo[ucs Jar.unry le, 2X5 3
Progress on Clarifying
Organizational_ Values
■ Core Beliefs (Resolution 03-027)
o City Council as policy leaders
o Creation of Governance Coordination
manual
o Public interaction - public involvement;
user-friendly
o Contain the rising cost of governmental
services, e.g., private sector alternatives
Cam Cam~Co Yslun Jamury 1 B. 2005 1
2
Organizational Values, cont'd
■ Customer Service as Key Value
o Promotion of mutual respect between
citizens, City Council and City staff
o Attitude of facilitation and
accommodation within the bounds of
responsibility, integrity and financial
capability
0 2005 goal to create a formal customer
service program
Gore CcmmwNiy VNuef Jattuery 9E, M 5
Progress on Clarifying Community Values
■ Creation of draft Vision
o Community of opportunity
o Individuals and families can grow and
play
o Businesses will flourish and prosper
■ Core Beliefs (Resolution 03-027)
o Preserve and expand the community's
diverse economic base
Cae c~umy vm,n J,woy ie, zns a
3
Summary of_Vision__Approach
■ SWOT analysis
o Two joint City Council-Planning
Commission meetings
■ Three sub-groups drafted visions
■ Joint meeting to finalize draft vision
tore com:unry vawes JanmM 18.2005 7
Proposed Approach to Clarify
Community Values
■ Use draft vision as base or start from scratch?
■ Information in advance?
■ Meeting on 2/1/05
o Break into small groups
o Full group consensus
■ Who to involve
o City Council
o Planning Commission
o City Manager?
o Senior management staff?
Cqro CCmmu:ity VKues 1er,uary 10, 2DO6 B
4