By Thia James

City promises openness with new strategy

Oct 30, 2014 | 5:54 AM

The City of Prince Albert has outlined its plan for growth and with it comes a vow to provide more information for residents.

On Monday, city manager Jim Toye laid out the City’s strategic goals and priorities in a presentation during the council meeting. The contents of the plan are the result of a two-day strategic planning session in June.

Out of it comes a set of five strategic goals – or core values – and a to-do list for City staff. The list includes a review of council meeting and agenda processes, implementation of e-billing software for utility bill payments, new aquatic centre, new arena and examining funding options for a second bridge.

Mayor Greg Dionne said the plan is the “better way of doing business” that he said would be coming forward to council. However, the strategic plan doesn’t include information as to the particular steps the city would be taking to achieve those goals.

“We have to do business better. We have to deliver it quicker, you know, especially when we talk about we’re open for business. Well, if we’re open for business, it shouldn’t take six to eight months for you to go through a new process to open a new business. It should be three or four. Like, we won’t be able to do it in 30 days, but it shouldn’t take six months either,” he said.

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He said the plan keeps customer service at the forefront, but it’s also about accountability.

“I really believe that the more you tell the residents, the more you tell your [taxpayers], it’s just like the $189 base tax. You know, when we first brought that in, they were not happy. But today, they’re very happy because we’ve repaved hundreds of streets … So, if people can see the progress, and see a return on their dollar, they don’t have a problem spending it.”

And it’s the philosophy behind signs popping up around the city at the site of major public works. At the south end of the Central Avenue viaduct is a sign detailing the kind of work being done by the City and the cost of the project. A similar sign sits at the riverfront, with information about the lift stations.

Dionne said he’s heard a lot of comments about the signs.

“People didn’t realize how expensive it was to repair the two viaducts, which are now open. People didn’t realize that the lift stations, you know, the signs are up there. That shows people what we’re spending their money on. And they like that, because, at the end of the day, all you do is you get your tax bill.”

He suggested sending a fact sheet along with tax notices that lists where the City spent taxpayers’ money.

Council voted to approve the plan, as well as a directive to administration to take action on items in the priority list.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames