Council Grove Lake Association Orientation Meeting Report (printableview)
The orientation meeting was held September 10 th, with approximately 52 people in attendance. The meeting was lead by Dr Curt Brungardt, Director of the Center for Civic Leadership, Fort Hays State University. The Goal is to develop a Master Plan for the City Lake. This will include both short term and long-term lake area improvements. This document will be used to guide the association, cabin owners and local governing boards as they make decisions about future improvements. The meeting is summarized with notes added to Curt’s hand out.
Purpose of a master plan:
To develop an organized plan of improvements that most people support. Not everyone will be in favor of all aspects of a plan, as we all have varying opinions, but we will work toward the majorities’ priorities.
To provide a context to do research. To find the best solutions to reach the goals of all parties involved. That would include items such as an economic impact study determining the benefits and drain of the lake to all concerned, lake homeowners, the City, and the County.
Provide a position for the Lake Association as they work with governing boards.
Provide an overall long term plan to facilitate grants
To be a collaboration of all parties involved.
Provide a vehicle for all of us to share views.
Resources:
Volunteer time
Economic Impact Study: Drain & benefits of the lake shared by all (lake, city, county)
Leadership Center, Fort Hays State University
Process of the plan – This involves eight steps. A brief summary of each follows:
Vision development: Some of the “elements” of an enjoyable and prosperous city lake were discussed as financial stability, moving from “knee-jerk” reactions to long-term; property boundaries, long-term ownerships, safe boating and fishing, 1200 & 1300 road improvements and infra-structure, improvements to boat ramps and parking, water and sewer systems, code enforcement, restaurant/concession type operation, restroom facilities, facilities for public swimming and such, mowing of roads, etc., noxious weed control, fish cleaning station, fish fence, stocking the lake, dredging (could impact water quality, etc.) leases are up in 2009-financial impact.
Identify key strategic issues: The following were identified: annexation, improvement district, ownership, etc.; roads, sewer system, water quality, ramps and boat docks, safety issues, water level issues, Federal Reservoir, residential development issues, activities and events, lake area maintenance, fishing and conservation, rapport between the lake, city, Federal Reservoir.
Assessment and analysis
Objectives/Action step formation (the what, how, who and when of it)
Submit plan to Association for approval The goal is to do this February 200+
Present plan to local governing board and others
Implementation of the plan
Plan alterations (must constantly be making updates and changes)
Open Communication: All meetings must be open forum, no closed meetings
Role of the Stakeholders:
Cabin owners
Association
City
County
State Legislators
Consensus Building, Majority Vote and Collaboration
Oct. 2005-Key strategic issues (sub-committee), assessment and analysis
Nov 2005-Assessment and analysis (sub-committee, Identify objectives (sub-committee)
Jan. 2006-Objectives/Action steps formation
Feb. 2006-Plan completion and presentation to the Lake Association
We will be conducting a survey in the near future to determine priorities for improvements and goals. Take some time to think about new things that you would like to see happen or changed at the City Lake. Try to envision the long-term future of the perfect City Lake
