By Chris OrletRecord Managing EditorWarrenton officials have adopted a five-year strategic plan they hope will provide a road map for future growth and development.The plan outlines a list of priorities the city hopes to initiate over the coming years.High on the agenda are upgrades to the city’s waterworks and sewer system, bringing an urgent care center to town, finding funding options for a second overpass, and increasing cooperation with neighboring cities.Other priorities include increasing cooperation with the county and the R-III School District, maintaining clean neighborhoods, tackling transportation issues, and providing retirement and new recreation opportunities.“This plan gives the city some direction, it details what’s important and which way we should be moving,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “With all the turnover in (elected and appointed) officials, we thought we needed something in writing that describes what we’re working toward.”Dyer said some items like the sewer upgrades, were of the highest priority, while others, like a second overpass and a hospital, are on the “Christmas wish” list.Here are some of the highlights:Communication with citizensImproving communications with citizens was near at the top of the list for city officials. The five-year strategic plan calls for regular town hall meetings, as well as improving the city website, introducing a city-wide newsletter, and putting planning and zoning meetings on the city’s YouTube channel.Cooperating with county, school District and neighboring citiesCooperation with local governments was also cited as high on the priorities list. Plans call for establishing an intergovernmental council of neighboring cities that will meet quarterly. Plans call for partnering with local cities on an annual event, designating aldermen to attend county commission meetings and schedule at least two joint meetings per year. Plans also call for inviting county commissioners and school administrators to attend board of aldermen meetings.Economic growthCity officials hope to make Warrenton more welcoming for potential and existing businesses. City officials want to create a welcome packet for new businesses, while gathering information on small business resources and financing and training opportunities, and hold monthly meetings with a representative of a major retail or restaurant establishment to determine the criteria needed to bring business to Warrenton.The plan calls for maintaining a list of available locations to provide to business prospects. Upgrading and improving the wastewater treatment system is also vital to attracting and keeping business, officials say.Clean neighborhoodsMaintaining attractive neighborhoods is also a strategic priority. The plan calls for establishing community/neighborhood improvement programs and contests, as well as a review of property maintenance codes and more pro-active enforcement of code violations.Expanding travel optionsWarrenton officials maintain that a second Interstate 70 overpass is vital to future growth. Plans call for discussions with business owners, developers, community leaders on, as well as costs and funding options. Plans also call for approaching the outlet center and discussing options for its involvement in developing an overpass, as well as meeting with MoDOT to determine projections and a time line for an overpass.Other transportation items include a master plan and time line for road widening and intersection expansion projects, as well as new overpasses, outer belts, parkways, roundabouts and junctions.Urgent careWarrenton officials say they would like to ensure quality medical care is available in the city. Plans call for meeting with urgent care and health care corporations to determine criteria for bringing an urgent care facility and a full-care hospital to the area. Plans also call for creating a city-region wide health care task force to lead community health and fitness initiatives.Retirement opportunitiesThe city plans to meet with local organizations to determine how to provide more retirement opportunities and senior-focused activities, while expanding current programs. Plans call for reviewing senior transportation issues, establishing a focus group for social and recreational activities for seniors, and meeting with developers who specialize in planned retirement communities.Recreation opportunitiesThe city will continue to seek support for a recreation center, swimming pool replacement in 2018, and a skate park.City passes 5-Year Strategic Plan