In a regularly-scheduled meeting of the Mexico City Council conducted Monday night, a near-term planning agenda pertaining to miscellaneous city-related projects was unanimously approved. Specifically, council members voted 5-0 to adopt a 2008-2009 strategic goals plan, which is intended to formulate a well-defined and comprehensive vision regarding short-term priorities for the community.

"On July 18, the city council, city manager and assistant city managers met for the purpose of formulating strategic goals," stated City Manager Todd Thompson. "The ... goals represent the results of that process, and will assist council and staff in prioritizing work activities, and provide a benchmark to measure success."

The city manager added: "I would note that these are short-term goals. They are not intended to be some 20-year envisioning exercise. But they will serve for the next year to 18 months to direct our work."

The resultant goal-setting plan specifies several community-related projects and concerns necessitating near-term focus, including:
• Wastewater issues, including sewer plant improvements, collection system improvements, consideration of a forthcoming rate study, and staff reorganization to facilitate greater efficiency.

• Airport concerns, including a new terminal building, evaluation of hangar space and fees, and evaluation of airport apron needs.

• Capital improvement tax extension, including its placement on the November 2008 ballot, and preceded by an educational campaign.

• Funding options for city park improvements.

• Funding options to address storm water concerns.

• Comprehensive plan completion.

• Promoting methods to facilitate greater employee retention and job attraction.
• Improving customer service.

• Developing an action plan for upgrade of the Fairgrounds Park swimming pool.

• Upgrading the former Sporlan Valve facility, and finding an occupant for the building.
• Beginning construction of the plant science research center.

• Facilitating efforts to advance development of the Mid America brick plant.
• Continuing Dream Initiative efforts.

• Focusing on improved relationship with Missouri Department of Transportation.

• Beginning aesthetic improvements to city entrances.

In other actions Monday, the city council:
• Approved allocation of $1,625 in tourism funding to the Little Dixie Shrine Club to promote the 4th Annual Country Music and Bluegrass Festival, scheduled for Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 at Shriners Park; and approved $2,000 in tourism funding to the Village Square Association for promotion of the Sunset Festival, which is held throughout September in Mexico.

Separately, Mexico City Council opted to temporarily delay action regarding tourism funding to the Audrain County Historical Society for advertisement and promotion of the 2008 "Walk Back In Time" event. Mexico Tourism Commission had recommended a corresponding promotional funding amount of $3,197.90 to the organization. But Monday night – following an initial request by council member Michael Myers – the city council opted to vote on the matter at a future meeting after further review by the tourism commission. Myers referenced burgeoning regional appeal of the "Walk Back In Time" event, and indicated Mexico Tourism Commission should consider increasing its funding recommendation for promotion of the event, which is scheduled for Sept. 26-28 on the grounds of the historical society.

• Approved several appointments, including: Calvin Canine to the Mexico Audrain Library Board; Harold Enslen to the tax increment financing board; Frank Marth and Ron Whittaker to the planning and zoning commission; Lou Leonatti to the 21st Century Fund; Gerald Morgan to the building code board of appeals; and Beverly MacFarlane and Paul Day to the Mexico Park Board.

• Gave first reading and corresponding initial approval of an ordinance establishing a procedure to disclose substantial interests and potential conflicts of interest of certain city officials and employees, and which involve issues pertaining to the city of Mexico.

Mexico City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, with the public invited to attend. Meetings are conducted on the third floor of city hall, and begin at 7 p.m.