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• Vision 64 group sets efforts into motion

By Julia Ybarra-Young, RiverTown Staff

They came ready to work.

There was very little debate as the 30+ people attended the March 3 meeting of the tentatively-named "Vision 64" community group.

After its first meeting in November where they brainstormed ideas for the future development of the Somerset, Star Prairie and New Richmond areas, they were ready to take the next step.

Michele Gullickson Moore, a professional facilitator, directed the meeting. Armed with the November meeting results, she proposed a Core Ideology/Mission Statement for the group: "Retaining quality of life amid explosive growth."

One audience member objected to the word "explosive" which, he said, suggested a negative meaning. Alternatives such as "dynamic" and "positive" were discussed briefly before deciding on "rapid."

Moore then moved on to the Core Business/Vision Statement: "Facilitating and advocating quality investment in our community." The group readily accepted that statement.

The group then officially recognized their name as "Vision 64."

"We would want regionalism rather than each small community," said Ralph Pullman, participant. "Pete Kling suggested it at an earlier meeting as Highway 64 connects us all."

The next item on the agenda was to break into smaller groups.

There were five main themes culled from the November brainstorming meeting. They were 1) Preserve the rural/small town feel, 2) Community meeting/use both indoor and outdoor, 3) Environmental, Conservation, Parks and Recreation, 4) Services, 5)Identity for region. The sixth group, Nuts and Bolts, was added to deal with the group bylaws and grant applications.

Moore had written each theme on paper and put them in different sections of the room. Everyone was encouraged to go to the theme they were interested in and discuss a plan of action, and agree on a next meeting date.

After 30 minutes, they reconvened and gave their reports to the entire group.

The Services group said they identified three main target markets: seniors, children and families. For each group, they suggested possible needs, such as transportation for seniors, a teen center and a pharmacy. Their next meeting is Monday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Sophia's in Somerset.

The Environmental group said they wanted to "promote green" as well as family-friendly, non-motorized activities such as a community pool and bike trails, according to member Denise Gunderson. Their next meeting will be Thursday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at the new Star Prairie Town Hall.

The Identity group said they will focus on the Somerset Village, Somerset Township, Star Prairie, New Richmond, Richmond Township, Stanton, St. Joseph and possibly Farmington and Osceola. Peggy Grubbs, the speaker for the group, said their next project is branding the area about what makes it unique. Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at 9 a.m. at Sophia's.

The Community Spaces group, according to member Doug Briggs, said they wanted to have more partnership between private businesses and local government. In looking at recreation, they decided to "piggyback" on the Environmental group and meet with them on April 10 at 2 p.m.

The Rural group said they feel the best way to preserve that "small town feel" was through zoning and ordinances.

"We can give a voice to the governing bodies," said Sherrill Schottler. "We can give developers design standards so we know what the development will look like."

Their next meeting is slated for Wednesday, April 2, at 7 p.m.

Ralph Pullman stepped up for the Nuts and Bolts Committee. He will be in charge of applying for grants and fund-raising.

The 8 a.m. Wednesday morning coffee klatsch at Sophia's will continue as a forum for informal discussion. The next official Vision 64 meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 7 p.m. in the new Star Prairie Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.