Brenda Rigdon discusses how to develop a strategic plan to meet Sidney’s needs. InkFreeNews photo by Madison Hart.

By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

SIDNEY — Sidney Town Council heard a proposal for a nine-month development timeline for a strategic plan for community improvements at a meeting on Monday, Aug. 12.

Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe introduced Brenda Rigdon, the former chief development officer at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and the founder of Hoosier Nonprofit Consultants. Rigdon presented an outline for a nine-month strategic plan development.

In the first two months of the plan, the council would create a “Steering Committee” to lead the plan development and do a S.W.O.T. analysis to evaluate the town’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to success. In months three and four, the committee will take a focus group, make a survey and share the results of the S.W.O.T. analysis. They will visit other similar-sized towns and see what resources they’ve implemented. They’ll also share the survey and S.W.O.T. results with the public. In months five and six, the committee will take a second survey and get input on strategic goals. They will rank the priorities of the S.W.O.T. analysis. Months seven and eight focus on using all the information they’ve gathered to draft a plan. Then the committee will hold an open house to present and get community feedback on the plan. In month nine, the board will vote to approve the plan. Then the committee will focus on getting approval from all necessary government agencies. The final steps are securing funding and implementation. Roe is available to help with grant-writing.

The council agreed to discuss the strategic plan proposal at next month’s meeting.

The council also heard from Harrison Gunter, a retired police officer from Hobert who offered to supplement Pierceton’s police coverage for the town of Sidney. He provided the council with a proposal to serve as a reserve policeman six hours per day, two days per week. The council agreed to discuss the proposal at the following meeting.

In other business, the council:

• Heard from wastewater representative Tim Woodward that he is looking for quotes for a new generator.
• Agreed to look into an unpaid water bill from Olinger IT Solutions.
• Heard resident Keith Smith’s request to build a porch. Council agreed as long as it complies with state regulations.
• Confirmed two dumpsters are scheduled for Town Cleanup Day on Saturday, Oct. 12.
• Heard a citizen comment regarding safety concerns of a neighbor digging holes and not mowing. Council agreed to drive past to see the holes and grass.
• Heard a citizen comment regarding the town spraying for the mosquitos at ineffective hours. The council agreed to check on mosquito spray protocol.

The next Sidney Town Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at the Jackson Township Fire Station.