Warsaw City Council reviewed a draft of the city’s strategic plan Monday night.
The council previously held two working sessions in February to discuss goals and priorities for the plan.
Chris Hamm, American Structurepoint project manager, reviewed the draft with the city Monday night.
American Structurepoint is an engineering, architecture and planning firm based in Indianapolis that the city paid $5,000 to complete the strategic plan.
The purpose of the plan is to develop a framework for community and economic development, Hamm said.
He said the strategic plan also provides a foundation for the city’s comprehensive plan.
City Planner Jeremy Skinner explained the difference between a comprehensive plan and strategic plan.
Skinner said a comprehensive plan focuses on land uses and infrastructure, where a strategic plan helps identify weaknesses and strengths a community faces.
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said the strategic plan helps the city identify what the city’s priorities are.
Hamm discussed the strategic plan draft.
Thallemer asked the council members to review the draft and provide feedback to Hamm via email.
Hamm said it is important to have a current updated comprehensive plan to outline the long-term vision for future growth.
He also said it is important for for the city to partner with OrthoWorx, Kosciusko-Warsaw Chamber of Commerce and Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation.
“Business retention and expansion is essential to the economic sustainability of Warsaw,” Hamm said. “It is important to strengthen relationships with existing partnerships.”
Thallemer said the city needs to understand the partners it has and how important those partners are, including Indiana Economic Development Corporation, OrthoWorx and all that synergy that has been created.
Hamm also discussed business attraction and said it is important to create and promote shovel-ready sites for development.
Hamm said it is important to facilitate “shop local” events to bring attention to the downtown merchants.
Councilwoman Diane Quance suggested better publicizing all businesses, not just downtown businesses.
Councilman Charlie Smith suggested considering establishing a defense industry in the city, as it would not compete with existing businesses.
Hamm said it is important to improve communication and coordination between the city, neighboring communities and Kosciusko County.
He also suggested an online calendar with community events and happenings and an online digital newsletter to connect the community.
He also said it is important to support a balance of safe, stable and desirable neighborhoods within the community.
