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The 2012 Strategic Planning Retreat is scheduled for June 20, 2012. The event will be held at Kimball Farm at 5:30PM.
The purpose for this retreat: Support and engage in an annual Strategic Planning Retreat devoted to town-wide policy identification, prioritization, discussion and development with standing boards, committees, management staff, and residents at large.
AGENDA: (5:30 – 5:45) Welcome and opening remarks (5:45 – 6:30) Finance Update (6:30 – 7:00) Dinner (7:00 – 7:45) Break Out Groups (7:45 – 8:00) Ice cream break (8:00 – 8:45) Final Session
More info to follow....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recap of the 2011 Strategic Planning Retreat - June 23, 2011
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View the final report on the Strategic Planning Event that was held on June 23, 2011. The information in this report was assembled based on verbal and written input received at the event, summaries compiled by the facilitators of the break-out sessions, and feedback received. The purpose of this report is to summarize the event and its results for public consideration, and sustain and build upon the cooperative spirit that was on display that evening. Download Final report |
Descriptions of Break Out Groups with Related Documents and Exhibits
Session 1 |
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1-A - New Development |
An update of what's going on around town and discussion about how it relates to the town's ability to maintain strong service delivery. This session will have a map and a list describing new development projects. Come to this session to discuss how growth impacts the provision of town services (water, fire, police, schools, etc.). Give feedback about the current steps taken during the development review process to address new residential and commercial growth. |
1-B - Financial Issues in FY13 and beyond |
This group will examine the financial issues that impact the town in FY13 and future years including an analysis of revenues and expenditures, explanation of OPEB liabilities, and description of efforts made by PWIC to implement consolidation and centralization to reduce costs. Potential topics will include exploring past and present budget models, policy decisions, the effectiveness of revenue enhancements and spending reductions, and their affect on long range forecasts. |
1-C - Economic development with a focus on commercial zoning along Rte 110, Signs |
Significant commercial growth is ongoing and anticipated along Route 110, the Town's primary corridor for economic growth, with related infrastructure investments recent and upcoming. The Comprehensive Plan calls for zoning changes to better manage both the form, location and design of commercial development; this discussion will focus on these issues and their importance to ensure that the Town strengthens its tax base in a responsible manner. |
Session 2 |
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2-A - Examining Municipal Property and Capital Needs
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This group will review how the inventory of town owned properties meets the needs of the departments and expectations of the community. We will discuss short term and long term capital needs and examine the policy impacts of acquiring, disposing, and reusing properties. |
2-B - Parking and Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety |
How will the town provide for pedestrian safety in a "community of villages" that do not connect with a continuous network of sidewalks and other accessible pedestrian paths? Will an increasing number of cyclists be able to travel safely in and around Westford? How will the town address parking issues at Town Center and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail? You need to attend this session if you think these are important questions or if you have answers to these questions. |
2-C - Wireless Communication Facilities (cell towers), Nuisance/ Public Noise |
Recent changes in Federal law and increasing consumer demand for new “4G” digital wireless services puts new pressure on Westford's wireless facility regulations. Changes to Westford's bylaw are under consideration and meanwhile, opportunity knocks – municipal land could be part of an overall strategy to manage wireless infrastructure deployment. Noise and nuisance issues, related to wireless and otherwise, will also be considered. |
General Documents and Exhibits
Additional Information
- Support and engage in a semi-annual Strategic Planning Retreat devoted to town-wide policy identification, prioritization, discussion and development with Standing Boards, Committees and management staff
- Have an annual all-boards meeting for all board members and not just the chairs to introduce new board members, review each board's goals and the 'state of the town' - Hold bi-annual town board and committee meetings to review the state of the town, goals of each board and/or committee and introduce new members
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