City Council

CITY OF EUHARLEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA APRIL 20, 2021 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL NEW BUSINESS 1. SWOT Analysis - City Council (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)  CITY OF EUHARLEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES APRIL 20, 2021 Mayor Steve Worthington called the meeting to order. A prayer was led by Council Member David Duncan followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were present Mayor Steve Worthington, Council Members Tim Abbott, David Duncan, Greg Free, Joe Turner, and City Manager James Stephens. Public Comments Mayor Steve Worthington opened the meeting for public comments. Jennifer Davis and Terry Ferguson, co-owners of Bradley Farms Baked Goods out of Adairsville, Georgia introduced themselves and their purpose to speak at the meeting. They started out last summer at the Farmer's Market and the business expeditiously grew in size which was a blessing during the pandemic. They are opening another location in Fairmount and tossed around to opening a location in Euharlee. They currently have in Adairsville fresh baked goods and recently incorporated ice cream. Their hope is to offer something to the Euharlee community and provide something the community does not currently have. They would love to come up with some space that would work for everybody. Mr. Stephens shared that Mr. Shepherd showed them the Old Museum which may work for the ice cream. They were also sensitive to the current lessee at the Country Store and not to compete, but meet with Ms. Gwen and it may be something they may collaborate together. S.W.O.T Analysis - James Stephens James Stephens, City Manager explained the SWOT Analysis, (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) which is not commonly used in government agencies but common in businesses. It is a management tool and a first step in developing a strategic plan. He shared that he had a SWOT analysis he worked for himself not long after he came to work at Euharlee and trying to implement a strategic plan that made sense to him. With where they are now, he thought it would be a good time to get their perspectives. It may be something he is missing and they have more history and knowledge of Euharlee than he does, so he thought it would be a good exercise. He explained that strengths and weaknesses were internal factors they own and have control over; opportunities and threats were external factors and things they have less control over, to be aware of and plan. He shared some of his information to get them started. As a strength he listed the Etowah River, a natural resource. Once they come up with the items, they all agree on, he will put it all together and come up with a plan and tactics to make the strengths stronger than they are, how to mitigate the weaknesses as much as possible, how to capture opportunities and prepare and live through the threats. This was the purpose for the academic exercise that he thinks can be very beneficial. He listed the weakness of not having a pedestrian access on the bridge over the Etowah River and no alternate route if something happens on that thoroughfare. An opportunity would be the 17- acres. A threat, state law changed on how the LOST can be distributed. He said for them to take the information, review it and prepare to discuss it. He thinks it will be beneficial and asked for input that he would be glad to receive. He did not include his entire list because he didn't want to influence them, but does have a complete plan he put together. Council Member Turner requested Mr. Stephens send them his information to review. He would like to add to, subtract and to know what he is thinking in terms his plans for the city. Mayor Worthington said it was more of a retreat type exercise. Mr. Stephens encouraged them to legally communicate with each other and share their ideas. They decided to discuss at a later meeting or possibly schedule a retreat and include staff. Mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience. A resident shared his thoughts about grass cutting in to the streets and the danger for motorcyclist. Mr. Stephens said he would ask the code officer to take a look at the ordinance. If it is the city staff they will address it. Betty Jane Tilley shared that the History Preservation Commission had mentioned some of the same information included in the SWOT discussion and would like for them to reach out to HPC for their ideas. Council Member Joe Turner motioned to adjourn the meeting. Council Member David Duncan seconded the motion. The motion carried with council members Abbott, Duncan, Free, Turner, and Mayor Worthington all in favor. With no further discussion the meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.