The St. James Comprehensive Plan advisory committee worked to further shape its vision statement and goals at its meeting Thursday.
First the group reviewed chapter six of 'Boomtown USA' by Jack Schultz. Peter Hofherr led discussion.
“This chapter on leaders asks how to handle all the information that comes to you,” Hofherr said. “One of the critical aspects of this is replacing yourself.”
Next, Director of Community Development Candace Connell had the committee work in small groups to review the committee's eight goal statements for St. James. Statements included items such as providing quality education, promoting and protecting scenic amenities and accentuating tourism.
Groups developed a one-sentence description for each goal and decided whether any goals were missing. Groups then presented the descriptions.
The committee added the goal 'engage the community.'
Connie Willman of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission lead the committee in discussion of its vision statement.
She asked the group to consider if each goal is included in the vision statement and if the group wanted to keep all the goals as listed. The group concluded that all goals had been reflected in the vision statement.
Hofherr noted the vision should be something the community is always reaching to grasp.
“You do have certain goals and missions that occur and they have definite time frames on them. It is specific, but a permanent vision of how you feel about the town of St. James,” Hofherr said.
Willman noted the importance of the vision and its goals.
“One side is the physical elements of the community and the other side is strategic planning. All goals are broad because we are going to start pulling them in. You should always set new goals that get you closer to the vision and if you set your vision to narrow; you can box yourself in. It has to engage the entire community.”
Before dismissing, the group prioritized its nine goals by having each individual group member place dot stickers on the goals he or she thought most important to help reach the St. James vision.
The group also voted whether to proceed with its goal and vision process or if the group should work more on the branding process to help define the vision statement. Results would be announced at the next meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 25 at MRPC in St. James. Everyone is welcome to attend.
