City leaders last week took part in the annual planning retreat...just several months later than usual.

The retreat was held last Monday at the Vernie Snow Aquatic Center.

It’s traditionally held in the spring, but the onset of COVID-19 and its widespread issues caused a number of delays.

“Department heads provide a report on accomplishments, goals, needs and challenges for their departments,” City Manager Dave Slezickey said.

Among those taking part along with Slezickey were Mayor Roxie Alexander and commissioners Bill Tucker, Wendell Prim and Kyle Mecklenburg. Commissioner Richard Reynolds was unable to attend due to a work conflict.

Also on hand were: David Catron, police chief; Anthony Stewart, fire chief; Brittney Hladik, city clerk; Gary Kochenower, parks and cemetery department director; Mark Gambill, electric director; Jon Friesen, community development director; Jeremiah Homier, water and wastewater superintendent; Brandon Friesen, recreation director; Sharon Little and JoAnn Turner, library; Dyamonique McCarty, assistant recreation director; and Bobby Lumpkin, street department.

In the afternoon session, commissioners had a breakout session for strategic planning, capital improvement planning, legislative and policy goals and ethics training.

“It’s a great opportunity for the department heads and elected officials to interact, converse and discuss everything citywide,” Slezickey said. “It helps us in budget formulation and helps administration plan for the upcoming future.”