Washington CC lays out strategic priorities for next two years

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council has identified its strategic priorities for calendar years 2020 and 2021 and approved them at its latest meeting.

According to the memo in the council packet, among the top priorities are forming a study committee to look into the possibility of a quick responder service (QRS), complete phase one of the wellness park, sewer inflow, promote housing development and complete the city hall and police building construction.

As for the QRS service, the memo states the city is interested in looking into adding the service to ensure quick response to emergency situations when ambulances are busy. The service would most likely be housed within the Washington Fire Department.

The memo states equipment would need to be purchased, current staff would need additional training and recruitment of QRS only volunteers would need to be completed. Later the in the meeting, the council approved a resolution to form the study committee. The study needs to be done quickly to compliment the upcoming fiscal year 21 budget process.

Members of the committee were appointed by Mayor Jaron Rosien and include himself, council member and Washington Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski, Washington Police Chief Jim Lester, Washington Fire Chief Tom Wide, Washington Fire Department member Kelly Williams and Washington City Administrator Brent Hinson.

According to the memo, Jan. 15, 2020 is the target date for budgetary recommendations to ensure they are included in the fiscal year 2021 budget. This will allow for the service, if recommended by the committee, to begin in the new fiscal year on July 1, 2020.

Phase one of the wellness park is expected to see construction beginning in Spring of 2020 with work being done on the fields. According to the memo, the $650,000 grant the city received from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation has the city ready to proceed. The wellness park is expected to cost $2.5 million and will have four new ball fields, two soccer fields, a concession/restroom building and paving along North Avenue E.

Sewer inflow and infiltration will be addressed with the first major projects being in the egg sewer basin located around the water plant block on North Fourth Avenue. The memo states the project is estimated to reduce flow of stormwater into the sanitary system.

Back above ground, promoting housing development in the city will be addressed. The memo states the city will continue to work with private individuals to develop at least 20 new units per year. This will become easier as the city is moving forward with the initial purchase of 19-acres own by the Bell family. The city intends to eventually purchase all 42 acres to ensure a long term supply of housing lots are available in the city.

The Washington City Hall/Police building construction is last on the list of high priorities but moving forward swiftly. The memo states phase one of the construction is expected to be completed in April 2020 and the project to be substantially complete by Aug. 31, 2020 with a final completion date of Sept. 30, 2020.