As mentioned in my previous post, the City has published notice of the annual strategic planning retreat. This year, the retreat will be held in Annapolis, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel. The public is invited to the Saturday session, although last year was the first time any members of the public attended.
The Mayor and City Council will hold an annual retreat for the purpose of reviewing the city’s Strategic Plan and enhancing the working relationship among and between the Mayor, members of the City Council, and management staff. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, January 19 through Saturday, January 20, 2006 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel located at 126 West Street , Annapolis, Maryland .
In keeping with the policy we have followed regarding our retreats each year, we are publicly announcing the date and location. This will provide our citizens and other interested parties notice in the event they would like to attend the portion of the proceedings that are open to the public. This information is posted at City hall, and on the City’s website.
The City Council and I believe that holding a retreat is important and productive because it allows us the opportunity to come together, away from the day-to-day responsibilities of the City government, our jobs and our homes, to work together and focus on important City issues in an informal setting.
We will begin on Friday evening, January 19, with dinner for the Mayor and City Council members and staff. This is purely a social occasion and is not open to the public.
On Saturday, January 20, the retreat will be held from approximately 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The entire event will be open to the public. Staff will make presentations on various topics and the Mayor and City Council will review the Strategic Plan in its entirety. The formal agenda will be posted on the City website as soon as it is finalized by City staff.
Minutes will be kept of all public portions of the retreat and will be available for review. Staff will provide an overview of what was discussed and accomplished during the regular Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, February 5, 2007. Additional discussion will be held on the Strategic Plan during our upcoming FY 2008 budget process.
Anyone who would like more information about the retreat may call Assistant City Manager Felton at 301-258-6310.