Jefferson City leaders have, in the past, talked about vision for the city, but it's rare to hear what that vision really is and who establishes a city vision.
City Administrator Steve Crowell has said the vision is something that's set by the City Council and mayor, and those in the elected positions couldn't agree more.
Mayor Eric Struemph said he and the council are responsible for setting the city's vision, which he said includes open discussions with community members.
Last year, former City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus was directed by the council and mayor to establish a set of goals for the city. At a council meeting in May 2013, Nickolaus presented his vision for the city, stressing that it was only his vision and a true city vision would have to involve discussions with both the council and the community.
Nickolaus' stated vision at the time was: "Jefferson City will be a dynamic city, with an efficient and effective city government; a city which upholds its cultural legacy; enriches its residents with a safe, positive, and beautiful and healthy place to live, work and grow; welcomes visitors and builds toward a strong, vibrant future."
At that time, Struemph said he hoped the process of establishing a city vision would begin in the following months, though no public discussion on a city vision ever followed. When asked about what happened to that process, Struemph first said "I don't want to talk about the past," but then specified that he believes the city does have a vision.
"I think we do have an overall vision. I think it's to improve our overall quality of life, and there's obviously several different facets to that," Struemph said.
Those facets, he said, include economic development, the planned multipurpose building and even the conference center. But, he said it has been several years since the council last held a retreat to discuss those big picture items and he has discussed with Crowell having some type of retreat or planning session to have those discussions.
"I think it's time that the council come together and talk about what their visions are as individuals so we can combine those as a community, as a mayor and a council, and work towards them," Struemph said. "You have to have open discussion as a community and I think our process, as we move forward, that open discussion and communication with the community, is what helps you establish that vision."
Visions of the council
Members of the council each hold their own individual vision for the city, but they all stated an established city vision would come from collaboration between the mayor, council and community, though some added the city administrator also would play a role in drafting the vision.
Fourth Ward Councilman Glen Costales said a vision statement for the city should be succinct and all inclusive of the city's residents. He said an example of a proper vision would be making the community inviting, welcoming and safe, as well as showing that the city embraces the future, while preserving the past.
Costales said the city's vision is set through the people and elected officials can hear what the people want from things like town hall meetings.
Third Ward Councilman Bob Scrivner said a vision is established through a collaborative effort of the council, mayor and people.
"The roots of it come from the people that elected you," Scrivner said.
Scrivner said the vision comes from an idea of where people want to see the city in 10 or 15 years, followed by a set of goals to help achieve that outcome. He said he has some big picture ideas for a city vision and one would be to shift the focus to youth sports.
"One of the visions that I would have for Jefferson City would be for us to explore avenues to make Jefferson City a destination city for youth sports and youth sport activities," Scrivner said.
He said that would include working with Lincoln University and the Parks and Recreation Commission, which is working toward a new multipurpose building, for facilities. It would capitalize on the city's central location, he said, and help grow the city's tourism.
Second Ward Councilman J. Rick Mihalevich said the long-term vision of the city has to be established by the people because it is, after all, their city.
"We're only short-timers," Mihalevich said of the council. "While it's not written down, there's kind of a thinking that there is a vision of a capital city that serves people well with fire and public works and police protection."
But Mihalevich said he thinks the city needs more than that in terms of vision. He said the city came close to a vision with the failed sales tax campaign of Transformation, put forward by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, but that turned out to be something the voters did not support.
Mihalevich said the city also thought they had a good vision of an improved fire service through the dedicated sales tax campaign for the Fire Department, which again failed at the ballot. And, he said, there are times when the vision itself may be dictated by state government, though he hopes establishing a vision of its own would make the city more in control of its destiny.
Like Struemph, Mihalevich said having some type of planning retreat would be helpful in forming a vision for the city.
First Ward Councilman Rick Prather said the current vision for the city is looking to grow as a community and continuing to provide a high level of safety, as well as the quality of services.
"It's also to make Jefferson City a great place to live, work and visit," Prather said.
Fifth Ward Councilman Larry Henry said vision should be established through the mayor and council, with Crowell spearheading that discussion. He said his vision includes economic development as an important tool for growth and expansion, as well as improving the city's transit service and relationship with Lincoln University, embracing it as Jefferson City's university.
"I think we're on a good path to that," Henry said. "Those three things, to me, I think need to be a part of whatever the bigger vision is going to be for Jefferson City."
Fourth Ward Councilman Carlos Graham said the council and mayor establish the city's vision, which is then carried out by the city administrator and city staff. Graham said his vision is ensuring it grows in the right way.
"To make sure Jefferson City is a place where people want to come and work, come and live; make sure that it's a safe place; make sure that we're able to keep a solid and continuous budget," Graham said. "And make sure that it's a place that you want to call home."
Third Ward Councilman Ken Hussey said the basic day-to-day vision of the city is simply to be good stewards of tax dollars, but the larger vision of the mayor and council should be to work in collaboration with other partners and agencies in the community.
Hussey said the council also needs to think about the long-term effects of each decision made at City Hall.
"There's a ripple effect to a lot of the things that we do," Hussey said. "I think it's important for the council and the mayor to be thinking down the road about actions today and the impact they can have on economic development, on growth in the community, on improved services."
Fifth Ward Councilman Ralph Bray said his vision would include "proven redevelopment" and revitalization of Old Town, as well as attention to sidewalks, overlays and city infrastructure. Bray said he also would like to see the city improve its river development, hopefully finding ways to connect directly to the river, especially on the south side of the Missouri River.
"We're right on the river, but you wouldn't really know that unless you look at the map or cross the bridge," Bray said.
But vision, and progress, Bray said, will change definitions with different people and different neighborhoods.
"The whole community needs to contribute to that conversation," Bray said.
First Ward Councilman Jim Branch did not return two messages seeking comment.