The strategic priorities for the City of Washington were passed at last night’s city council meeting. The council established the top three strategic priorities for 2014 as water system improvements including a new water tower and beginning engineering design for drinking water treatment facility, follow up on the municipal building space needs assessment study, and maintain and improve existing parks, especially Sunset Park. In addition, the council highlighted 16 other items as on-going commitments, listed below:

A. Continue to build public trust
B. Maintain public safety
C. Address and improve budget and financial issues
D. Continue inflow/infiltration reduction program
E. Continue street repair program funded at $500,00 per year
– $250,000 from quarterly Riverboat funds and $250,000 from GO Bond
F. Continue economic development programs
G. Support Main Street Program
H. Implement sidewalk program – new and repairs
I. Expand downtwon recycling program
J. Make decisions on Housing Improvement Task Force recommendations to improve housing stock and provide for neighborhood stabilization and improvement, including continued investigation of implementing a rental inspection process
K. Develop new industrial park, including West Buchanan corridor
L. Assist in development process for Wellness Park
M. Construct new water ground storage reservoir
N. Construct relocated airport cross-wind runway
O. Complete Municipal Building Study
P. Assist launch of Neighborhood Pride Enhancement Committee