2023 06 12 07 13 Ways City Commission

City of Plymouth Board of Review Cemetery Board Downtown Development Authority Economic Development/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Historic District Commission Liquor License Review Board Northville Plymouth Fire Advisory Board Planning Commission Tax Abatement Review Committee Zoning Board of Appeals Election Commission City Commission Meetings with 13 Ways Community Consultant December 5, 6, 7, 2023 Plymouth Cultural Center 525 Farmer St. The Community Leaders Summit was attended by approximately 60 people on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. It was an open forum that was led by Doug Griffiths and Heather Thomson of 13 Ways. The group was broken into several different tables, mixing the City Commission and city staff into the community leaders’ groups. There was discussion on a wide range of topics ranging from community safety, the residents’ pride, and love of the community. Cited as positives included that Plymouth is a walkable (organic) community, the philosophy of cooperation, the high level of city services, and the overall atmosphere and vibe of the city. There was also discussion related to the active involvement of the area service clubs, and the safe walkable community. In addition, the group discussed other topics that perhaps Plymouth could improve on. Those included no parking at peak times, some division within the community and between communities, a perceived housing shortage, the ever-present issue of trains blocking the community. Groups also discussed the lack of diversity and resistance to change, “Team Angry” who complains, but tend not to be solution seekers. There were concerns expressed about the lack of non-team sports offerings, some community disrepair, mainly streets and potholes. Further, there was more discussion on feuding factions, traffic flows, higher taxes, school issues, soaring rents and the lack of public transportation. The group leaders requested that the group consider if they had a magic wand what issues would they fix. Responses ranged from re-do of the DDA streetscape, tree grate issues, heated sidewalks, making taxation more equitable, and stop spending 90% of the time on complainers or “Team Angry.” There were also considerations for resolving parking, adding more levels to the parking deck, lack of sports fields open to the community, funding for parks, and more housing variety. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the session leaders of Doug Griffiths and Heather Thomson discussed what they call the Seven Essentials. There was a discussion with the group of city staff and City Commissioners related to the brand of the city. In the afternoon session there was a discussion related to communications and engagement. Some of the discussion centered on the need for a communications person to help coordinate messaging from several departments and to be able to do social media more effectively, which would help highlight the city’s brand and culture into all communications. The discussions on Thursday, December 7, 2023, centered on the upcoming City Commission Strategic Planning Session and how this is the City Commission’s planning session, and the focus should be on the City Commission. Various issues were brought up, including the need to address recreation, both in the downtown public spaces and in the neighborhoods, as well as the organized recreation spaces. Other items that should be discussed at the planning session include the need to develop a clear story and vision to communicate, and the need to continue and expand upon the many partnerships that the city is involved with. The consultants also suggested that the City Commission review parking, but they recommended extreme caution on adding parking as parking done wrong could kill the vibe. They suggested that we re-do what we have. All meetings were held at the Plymouth Cultural Center and were open to the public. ______________________________ _____________________________ SUZI DEAL MAUREEN A. BRODIE, CMC, MiPMC MAYOR CITY CLERK