In 2006 a City-wide Strategic Planning process was initiatated.  Strategic direction is the process by which an organization envisions its future direction and develops plans and strategies to get there. 

A strategic plan consists of Mission & Vision Statements, Goals, Measurable Objectives,  Tasks or Action steps, and performance measurements.  The City of Melrose Strategic Plan consists of a comprehensive land use plan, economic development plan, social relations plan, infrastruction plan, an emergency management plan, parks & recreation plan, and an overall community plan.  The strategic plan can also consist of other subsidary plans as needed.

To view the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, please click on the following link. City of Melrose Strategic Plan 2009-2013

For a view of the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan, please click on the following link. Draft City of Melrose Strategic Plan

The City Council has set up a Strategic Planning Steering Committee to organize the various projects identified in the Community Visioning Session. The Steering Committee is cooperating with the citizen group called ACDC (Area Citizens Developing Community) in order to combine both the identified citizen projects and the known City projects. ACDC is sponsored through a grant provided by the Initiative Foundation.  In 2007 the Steering Committee formally combined with the ACDC group and the Steering Committee now administers all Initiative Foundation grants and projects.

In 2007 the Steering Committee set a goal to present the final Strategic Plan to the City Council for adoption in July of 2007 so that they could incorporate some of the projects in the 2007 budget.  Now, the annual update to the Strategic Plan is completed by the Task Forces and presented along with the 5 yr (CIP) Capital Improvement Plan to the City Council & CMPUC in April of each year and Council & CMPUC adoption in May.  Having these two documents adopted by the Council & CMPUC by May of each year helps City staff as they start the annual operating budget process in June of each year.

The 2008 update for the 2009 budget process has been completed and it will be presented to the City Council and CMPUC in May 2008.  These strategic projects will be transfered to the 5yr Capital Improvement Plan for inclusion of the 2009 operating budget process.

Planning Roles: The City Council & CMPUC, require development of the plan, approve and update, and use as basis for policy decisions.  The City Administrator, develops the plan and uses it as a basis for operations and decisions. 

If you have any questions on the City of Melrose Strategic Plan, please contact the City Administrator at 320-256-4278.

Comprehensive Plan Task Force

Leader: Gary Walz (Community Planning/Economic Development Director)

Members: Henry Ahrens, Dottie Pallansch, Jeanne Kraemer, Kevin Thomes, Dave Rodahl, Nancy Roering, Tim Gillet, Kent Brown, Tony Klasen

Economic Development Plan Task Force

Leader: Gary Walz (Community Planning/Economic Development Director)

Members: Alan Schulzetenberg, Eileen Bergeron, Ryan Zierden, Corey Sand, Chad Doetkott, Richard Raeker

Goals:  Sustain and create an economic environment conducive to both quality, diverse job growth and tax base expansion.

Social Relations Plan Task Force

Leader: Robert Davis (Citizen, Former Youth Director)

Members: Adela Gross, Stacy Meyer, Gloria Welle, Loren Niehoff, Myrvin Secord, Bob Doyle, Marge Haider

Goals:  To unify all members of our community.

Parks & Recreation Task Force

Leader:

Members: Randy Bergquist, Bob Mayers, Mark Heidgerken, Dean Mohs, Jeff Sawyer, Stacey Austing-Jacobson

Goals:  To provide community activities in order to contribute to the quality of life.

Infrastructure Plan Task Force

Leader: John Harren (Public Works Director)

Members: N/A

Goals:  Provide for an infrastructure that supports opportunities for economic development and quality of community life. To have the capability to expand the infrastructure system to accomodate orderly growth and goals of the community in a cost effictive timely manner.

Emergency Operations Plan Task Force

Leader: John Jensen (Police Chief)

Members: Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer, Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida

Goals:  Improve Emergency Services by promoting a cooperative volunteer effort between the citizens of Melrose and the Police, Fire, and Ambulance Departments, who we have sworn to protect and serve.

Community Projects (Non-City) Plan Task Force

Leader: Jean McDonald (Citizen, Realestate Agent)

Members: Lori Krebs

Goals:  To enhance community spirit and cohesiveness through events and education made accessible to all individuals.