KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Manzana Consulting unveiled its Smart City Master Plan last Monday, the last city council meeting for City Manager Lynn Rutkowski. Council said Rutkowski’s efforts to develop Keystone Heights as a “smart city” will be one of the many legacies of her almost 12-year career.

Manzana defines a smart city as one that “creates and sustains a thriving, livable and resilient community (that) uses innovative technology where appropriate to facilitate the mission.” A Manan representative said that technology is a great tool, but it alone is not the solution. She said that sensors and automated feedback would still depend on capable city staff members to succeed.

Manzana’s plan rests on four core objectives: fostering sustainable growth by promoting mixed-use development, fostering connectivity between residential neighborhoods and other districts, connecting existing parks through an accessible trail and mitigating the threat of flooding in urban areas.

The city council was favorable to the plan, especially about stimulating connectivity and walkability throughout Keystone Heights, which could be accomplished by renovating and expanding sidewalks and planting trees for shade.

The plan is not set in stone just yet. A final proposal still needs to be presented to the city council. The proposal will only be approved after ample opportunity for feedback from the community.

Mayor Nina Rodenroth expressed concern about the cost of implementing some of the changes from implementing sensors and other forms of municipal technologies but was otherwise eager to see what this plan means for the growing city.

“I am interested as you consider your final proposal, which will be presented at a later date,” Rodenroth said.

Councilmember Dan Lewandowski thanked the Manzana representative for her hard work and dedication.

“We will see what works for us and our community,” Lewandowski said.

Next, the Manzana representative presented a plan for the public parks of Keystone Heights. The plan would connect all public parks with an accessible trail, enhancing natural aspects and promoting environmental preservation.

Some proposed projects included building a new government building, adding lights around the Moon Tree (an American Sycamore grown from a seed that traveled to the Moon on Apollo 14), growing native flowering plants in the butterfly garden, building a splash park at Keystone Beach and adding a kayak launch.

Sunrise Park received special attention, as it is located in an area where 53 new residents will be moving. Soccer fields, basketball courts, pickleball courts, tennis courts, batting cages and a playground are some items that are planned for construction or renovation. The basketball courts would be designed and accentuated with the blue and white school colors of Keystone Heights Junior/High.

“This is everything (the community) has asked for,” said Rutkowski.

At the end of the meeting, the council shared a heartfelt sendoff to Rutkowski.

“The community has been so fortunate to have her,” said Rodenroth.

“Eleven-and-a-half years, thank you very much,” said Rutkowski.