Douglas County leaders hope to turn Wednesday’s daylong brainstorming session into actions over the next 30 months.

“You have an opportunity to seize the moment. Now is the time to get some things done,” said John Nalbandian, professor and chairman of the Public Administration Department at Kansas University.

Nalbandian served as facilitator during a “retreat” for county commissioners and department heads. It took place at the Circle S Ranch Bed and Breakfast in rural Lawrence in Jefferson County.

The discussions resulted in a series of goals and objectives then prioritized for possible development. Among the main priorities county leaders set:

¢ Developing the former Farmland chemical plant site and the Southeast Area Plan for industrial development.

¢ Preparing a map for what the county would look like in 25 years.

¢ Developing a plan for offering many public services at other locations outside the county courthouse, possibly with kiosks.

¢ Studying local costs associated with criminalization and mental illness.

Nalbandian suggested the highest priority items be given to county staff for study and the results be brought before commissioners for further action. Commissioners Bob Johnson and Charles Jones, County Administrator Craig Weinaug and more than a dozen department heads attended.

“It amazes me that this is the first time we’ve done this in the six years I’ve been on the commission,” Johnson said. “Together we can do a lot of things.”