The Great Bend City Council Monday night looked over its list of goals for 2015 and 2016 and focused in on their key targets. Council members selected from: Continuing Work on Top Priorities from 2014 and 2015; Event Center improvements and operations; continuing to work on streets; supporting city employees; and plan and begin implementation of improvements to recreational venues such as Stone Lake, the Sports Complex, the water park, zoo, Brit Spaugh Park, bandshell and others.

Other goals include:

• Continue strong economic and community development efforts

Support for current housing projects and encourage future development 

Support and show appreciation for local businesses and industries

Attraction of new businesses, industries, retail and entertainment

• Continue to improve image and attitude

Market and promote the community

Encourage and enhance events, festivals and activities and attract more hotel guests

Continue code enforcement, demolitions, and clean up efforts

• Budget and financial management

Continue infrastructure improvements

Transfer to and build funds for capital projects/improvements

Evaluate costs and benefits of services provided by outside agencies

Looking back at the past year when two of the key goals were the crackdown on crime and increased housing, great strides have been made. City Administrator Howard Partington has even remarked at council meetings that when the council sets goals, things get done.

We have witnessed many improvements to our city recently, from enhanced facilities to new businesses. Let us hope now that the new goals established by the council bring about equally significant changes.

Dale Hogg