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At our annual Town Council Strategic Planning Workshop (Dec. 4-6), council members and staff drafted a blueprint for the town’s future by establishing one- and five-year strategic goals.
The workshop was facilitated by Lyle Sumek who is nationally recognized in helping municipal governments plan their future. The workshop was open to the public and attended by local media.
Given the challenging financial times we live in coupled with a town that must evolve to maintain its vibrancy, the workshop took on a different tone this year.
As a result of a tough economy and anticipated reduced revenues, we had to reassess our core businesses and make the difficult but necessary decision to delay a few major projects.
While existing revenue numbers show only a relatively gradual reduction, we are reasonably anticipating the gradual decline will be more severe in the coming months. We have a mind set of being fiscally conservative now rather than waiting until it’s too late to react.
We also discussed the necessity of our approach to how government should operate in the future. I never see the town abandoning careful and responsible growth control; however, we should look at our existing policies and laws to facilitate everything that will make our town an active and vibrant community.
We’ll be looking at facilitating redevelopment with a variety of tools and reviewing our existing development process. We also will be looking at our zoning schemes and determining what our Planned Unit Development and resort area strategy should be.
We have some pretty heavy lifting ahead on these and other important subjects.
Finally, we developed a list of council priorities and worked with the town manager to develop his management agenda for the year ahead.
Here is a breakdown of what council accomplished for the good of our residents. Please take a look at our town vision, five-year strategic goals and town council’s policy agenda 2009 and the town manager’s management agenda for 2009.
Town of Hilton Head Island: Our Vision
“World Class Residential and Resort Community” Means:
- Great natural beauty
- World-class beach
- Pristine waterways
- Preserving our Lowcountry character and heritage
- Well-planned community
- Sustainable community through continuous revitalization
- Vibrant community
- Exceptional recreational opportunities for all
- Community welcomes all
- Hilton Head Island: Community spirit and pride
Town Of Hilton Head Island 2014: Our Goals
- Sustainable town – preserving our character
- Unique amenities for residents and guests
- To p quality services, financially sound town
- Clean, safe, accessible waterways
- Effective regional transportation system
- Strengthen community spirit and pride
Policy Agenda 2009 Targets For Action Top Priority
- Redevelopment strategy and direction
- Economic development strategy and direction
- Dune accretion and storm protection ordinance
- Port Royal beach erosion direction
- Update comprehensive plan
- Comprehensive rewrite of the Land Management Ordinance
High Priority
- Light Industrial District zoning review
- Rowing and Sailing Center direction
- Mathews Drive connectivity direction
- PUD commercial and resort area strategy
- Recycling program and direction
Moderate Priority
- Law Enforcement Center direction
- Dredging policy and direction
- Recreational Center and aquatic facilities direction
- Fire & Rescue standards of coverage
- Street name signs: Mast arm mounted signs
Management Agenda 2009:
Top Priority
- Budget: Services and service level priority
- Coligny Beach Park Phase 1
- Review development/redevelopment process
- “Green” initiatives in town operations
- PUD infrastructure agreements for storm water utility management
High Priority
- Capital improvement projects—criteria and process
- Storm water utility fees
- All-hazards disaster plan
- Mall at Shelter Cove theater project
I want to take this opportunity to thank island residents for their support this past year. I also want to thank all council members for their hard work and outstanding contribution to the town’s quality of life. All of us on council understand there is more to the island than government, and we are grateful islanders volunteer their time to our nonprofits. We want you to know that we appreciate the spirit, support, and goodwill you provide to your fellow residents.
