HolladayDigest

Icebreaker/Trivia Game

The retreat opened with a team-based trivia activity as an icebreaker.

25th Anniversary Commemorative Poster

Staff presented a newly designed poster celebrating the city's 25th anniversary, created by Selena Costa, Crystal Rayburn, and an outside vendor.

Council Member Goals and Priorities

Each council member shared what they hoped to accomplish or get out of the retreat, including:

• Ensuring alignment on short- and long-term goals
• Avoiding groupthink while maintaining collegial, respectful dialogue
• Reflecting on city progress (staffing, completed projects such as Winston Park, City Hall Park, the Village rounding out, and Spring Lane)
• Identifying the city's next major projects for the next 1–3 years

Budgeting Priorities

Providing strategic direction to staff (Christian, Gina, Holly) ahead of the upcoming budgeting season

Core City Responsibilities

Discussion of foundational infrastructure duties (streets, sidewalk lighting, storm drains) as primary public safety responsibilities

Future Project Ideas

Brainstorming on potential near-term projects, including:

• Improving the gazebo/concert venue area ("thinking outside the box")
• Highland Drive project (noted as strategic and long-term)

Organizational Review

Question raised about whether any existing boards, programs, or functions should be evaluated, restructured, or retired (e.g., a mosquito abatement board with ~15 members and a significant budget was cited as an example)

Retreat Goals Stated by Facilitator/Mayor

Two primary goals identified — (1) share relevant information about the city's direction, and (2) help staff identify council priorities for the upcoming budget process

Use council's strategic input to guide the upcoming budget development process

Set aside 25th anniversary posters for council members to distribute at community events or speaking engagements

Provide framed smaller-format (8×10 or 5×7) anniversary posters as gifts when appropriate

Consider updating speaker series gifts from 20th anniversary edition to new 25th anniversary poster

Explore feasibility of improving the gazebo/concert venue

Evaluate existing boards/programs for potential restructuring or retirement

Outgoing Mayor's Remarks

The Mayor made emotional remarks noting that this retreat was the last time he would participate in this event, reflecting on the city's growth in staffing and completed projects during his tenure (Winston Park, City Hall Park, the Village, City Hall Park, Spring Lane).

25th Anniversary Poster

Celebrated as an in-house design achievement; an original-size version matching the 20th anniversary edition is also available, allowing the two to form a matching series.

Collegial Council Culture

Multiple council members noted appreciation for the respectful, collaborative dynamic of the council and characterized the retreat as a "safe space" for candid dialogue.

Dinner Break

The facilitator/Mayor noted a planned dinner break during the retreat; the transcript ends before the remainder of the agenda is captured.