Sidney Town Council Advances Strategic Planning Effort
February 12, 2025 at 4:42 p.m.
SIDNEY — Sidney Town Council took a step forward in its process to create a strategic plan for the town during its meeting Tuesday.
Zach Dripps, director of operations and community development at Michiana Area Council of Government, provided a timeline for the initiative. The project, funded by a Kosciusko County Community Foundation grant, aims to establish a long-term vision for the town through community engagement and structured goal-setting.
The planning process will take approximately nine months, with key milestones scheduled each month:
• February-March: Initial kickoff meetings, formation of a steering committee and setting project goals.
• April: Public engagement begins, including surveys to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.
• May: Steering committee reviews survey results to identify key values, themes and priorities which will inform an action plan.
• June: Strategy development phase begins, including focus groups for more in-depth discussions.
• July: The committee refines and finalizes the list of action items for the town for the next two to five years.
• August: Development of an implementation guide and a draft strategic plan.
• September: Receive public feedback.
• October: Final review and adoption of the strategic plan.
While reviewing the plan, Councilwoman Sharon Rancourt asked, “By doing this, will this elevate the community in the county to expose the needs of the town?”
"Yes," said Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe. "That's what we want. Knowing what communities want, and that they are invested to put the effort in."
Roe encouraged council members and residents to remain involved throughout the process to ensure the plan reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed ongoing sewer blockages and considered issuing formal warnings and potential fines for repeat violations.
• Made plans to assess the town’s sewer account, comparing expenses and debt to determine if an increase in fees is necessary.
• Heard a citizen comment about salting the roadway; the town does not currently budget for salt applications.
The next Sidney Town Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 10 at the Jackson Township Fire Station.
SIDNEY — Sidney Town Council took a step forward in its process to create a strategic plan for the town during its meeting Tuesday.
Zach Dripps, director of operations and community development at Michiana Area Council of Government, provided a timeline for the initiative. The project, funded by a Kosciusko County Community Foundation grant, aims to establish a long-term vision for the town through community engagement and structured goal-setting.
The planning process will take approximately nine months, with key milestones scheduled each month:
• February-March: Initial kickoff meetings, formation of a steering committee and setting project goals.
• April: Public engagement begins, including surveys to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.
• May: Steering committee reviews survey results to identify key values, themes and priorities which will inform an action plan.
• June: Strategy development phase begins, including focus groups for more in-depth discussions.
• July: The committee refines and finalizes the list of action items for the town for the next two to five years.
• August: Development of an implementation guide and a draft strategic plan.
• September: Receive public feedback.
• October: Final review and adoption of the strategic plan.
While reviewing the plan, Councilwoman Sharon Rancourt asked, “By doing this, will this elevate the community in the county to expose the needs of the town?”
"Yes," said Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe. "That's what we want. Knowing what communities want, and that they are invested to put the effort in."
Roe encouraged council members and residents to remain involved throughout the process to ensure the plan reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed ongoing sewer blockages and considered issuing formal warnings and potential fines for repeat violations.
• Made plans to assess the town’s sewer account, comparing expenses and debt to determine if an increase in fees is necessary.
• Heard a citizen comment about salting the roadway; the town does not currently budget for salt applications.
The next Sidney Town Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 10 at the Jackson Township Fire Station.