A goal without a plan is a dream.
-- Mark Cuban
A goal without a timeline is just a dream.
-- Robert Herjavec
The Initiative Begins
The Camp Shepard initiative has received a great deal of attention and public discussion before and after its purchase by the Town. There are so many positive benefits for the Town; its residents and visitors. It will also create another "point" to promote the Town as a place to reside, own property, and become part of the community.
A few articles:
- Amazing opportunity with purchase of Camp Shepard
- Smithfield moves forward with Camp Shepard purchase
- Camp Shepard trails will open to the public
There is no question that, if done correctly, this park will provide great benefits for the Town.
Even the best initiatives require a thoughtful, systematic process to ensure the objective is accomplished. In terms of business and governmental initiatives, the fiscal, strategic, legal, and organizational components must be evaluated. In a governmental scenario, the fiscal component is imperative. Public funds, no matter the source (Federal, state or local), must be expended carefully and with transparency.
As I outlined in the Town Council Meeting on August 9, 2022 during public comment, there are a series of steps that must be planned. These tasks must be completed sequentially. No tasks should be skipped. Most importantly, the next step should not begin until ownership (analysis, review, public comment, approval) are fully completed.
Certain premises of the project should be reviewed and documented before the tasks begin. The premises are:
- Town Budget Neutral -- This initiative must be expense neutral to the Town's fiscal budget. When fully implemented, the business plan approved should require the total operational expenses (including debt service) must be less than the total revenue received. This enterprise should not require Town revenues to "backwash" into the Camp's operations.
- Legal Issues -- The legal and operational constraints must be researched and documented before the business plan process begins. For example, any restrictions associated with grants and other funding sources must be identified.
The development of a business plan requires a series of tasks to complete. My recommended tasks are:
- Vision Components -- Begin with a list of various components and services that could be included in the Camp. Project management gurus would define this as the scope of the project. Scope are the boundaries of a project. However, it also should include the "exceptions" to the project (those components which are not included). A "wish list" of what is desired or not wanted.
- A proper vision requires open eyes. Someone else (another town) has probably accomplished this. Research other similar initiatives. If local, visit them.
- Use "best practices" from other communities to gain a list of ideas.
- When speaking to these communities ask them "In hindsight, what did you learn from it? ... "What would you do differently?"
- Vision Alternatives -- From the "wish list", create three versions of the vision. Ask for thoughts from residents. Experts and the research completed in Task #1. Three high level "sketches" that create a "rough order of magnitude".
- Public Comment -- Official public comment should be planned. Also, the Town should reach out to various groups (associations, sports leagues, School Department, etc.) for their assessment of the three visions. People will support what they help to build.
- Revised Vision -- If the commenting process created a consensus for one vision, then the process should proceed directly to task #5. If the consensus is more than one vision, then the process will need a Task 4a. To complete a rough magnitude of cost assessment for each vision.
- Business Plan -- This task should not begin until there is consensus and a defined scope (vision) of the Camp's initiative.
- Consider a phased plan to fully develop the Camp.
- The scope, strategy, constraints, finances, and analysis must be compiled.
- The plan must include specific strategic foundations (facilities, infrastructure, access, revenue generation, etc.).
- Detailed estimates associated with the infrastructure cost, revenue and operational expenses for each phase.
- The phasing could be structured for a 5-10 year plan.
- Business Plan Review -- The final business plan proposal should be distributed to the Budget and Financial Review Board. The Camp committee and personnel that provided the business plan should present their proposal at the initial BFRB meeting. The BFRB should be asked to review the analysis and provide a final recommendation to the Council with feedback, comments and analysis.
- Approval -- The recommendations from the BFRB should be presented to the Council. A public meeting should be scheduled (either at the presentation or later). The Town Council will provide their final decision and/or feedback. .
- Implementation -- Implement Phase 1 of the plan.
- The Town Manager and BFRB should evaluate (or re-evaluate) the progress and any issues with Phase 1.
- If any changes and revisions to the Phase #2 plan should be analyzed by the BFRB for recommendations to the Town Council.
- Success! Enjoy the Camp! Take a bow!
The Benefits and Take-Aways
In summary ...
- A plan and process that is ... thoughtful, organized, open, objective and transparent.
- Avoiding the approach to complete this project quickly rather than effectively. The land will not evaporate!
- A phased approach will allow the Town to implement financial prudence as well as gain "successes" of the multiple phases.
- Not a dream, but a goal with a timeline.