Camas planning conference kicks off Friday

Camas' city council, department heads and other staff members will gather for a planning conference Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16 and 17. The sessions, which are open to the public, will be held at the Camas School District's Zellerbach Administration Center board room, 841 N.E. 22nd Ave. On Jan. 16, the session will begin at 1 p.m. with a city council "flag page" exercise. Led by certified flag page trainer Brenda Stuart, the team building effort is intended to provide the opportunity for the city councilors to learn about one another's strengths, passions and motivations. "We did this in the spring with department heads, and the mayor participated as well," said City Administrator Pete Capell. "It was a worthwhile effort, so we thought it would also be worthwhile with council. It's a kickoff, an ice breaker." Discussion topics on Friday will include the "Camas 2035" comprehensive plan update visioning process, strategic planning and a community center, followed by a joint meeting with the Camas School Board. On Saturday, the session will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by a regular City Council meeting and then a luncheon to honor 11-year City Councilwoman Linda Dietzman who will retire on Jan. 31. Saturday discussion items will include the community development work plan, public works department reorganization and the implementation of the LED street light project. Facilitating duties during most of the two-day conference will be performed at no charge to the city by Camas School District Superintendent Mike Nerland. He has volunteered his services to the city in this capacity for the past several years. On Friday, Jeanne Lawson of JLA Public Involvement consulting firm will step in to facilitate discussion surrounding the city's strategic plan and community center, as well as the joint meeting with the school board. As of press deadlines, the contract with Lawson has not been finalized, according to Capell. To view a full planning conference agenda, visit https://camas.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. An audio recording of the conference will be posted on the city's website, www.cityofcamas.us, during the week of Jan. 19. The City Council meeting and workshop scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20 has been canceled. For more information, contact Capell at pcapell@cityofcamas.us or 834-6864.

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