By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis City Commission and staff held a work session Monday to begin developing a vision and goals for 2025 and beyond.
The session was a first step in a process toward a five-year plan, city manager Andrew Kuk said.
It provides a preliminary framework to categorize “areas of action.” Next steps include discussion and creating a consensus.
A starting point is to confine the vision within specific departments and general categories.
Departments and service areas
Administration: General policy, finance and human resources.
Development: Building/planning/zoning, economic development and housing.
Parks, recreation and arts: City parks and recreation, Doyle Community Center, Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.
Public services: DPS, transportation, water, wastewater.
Public safety: Police, fire and ambulance service.
Additional: Electric and cemetery departments.
General categories
Community: Provide and maintain services and opportunities that enhance quality of life for residents.
Infrastructure: Provide and maintain essential physical components, such as streets, sidewalks and utilities.
Governance and administration: Provide services and direction regarding policy, finance and overall operations.
Public health and safety: Provide services, both emergency and preventive, to enhance basic well-being in the community.
Development and growth: Facilitate economic growth, including business development and retention, housing and community planning.
Proposed timeline for the process:
Feb. 14: Commission feedback, suggestions and preliminary outline.
Feb. 28: Review draft version of combined commissioners’ comments and staff ideas, for discussion.
March: Gather feedback from city department heads and boards.
April 3: Annual city commission planning session. Review and finalize goals.
April-June: Establish an action plan.