Springfield City Council members met Tuesday for a lunchtime brainstorming session to ponder what they want the town to look like 15 to 30 years from now.

City Manager Greg Burris was chief facilitator of the discussion, instructing council members to picture what they want the city to look like for a visitor.

Council members mostly suggested the typical qualities associated with a desirable place to live: high-paying jobs, fiscally responsible government, engaged citizenry, family-friendly neighborhoods, good traffic flow and first-class educational opportunities.

Instead of having good traffic flow on city streets, some council members suggested the city could become less vehicle dependent with better public transportation and more bicycle routes.

Councilwoman Mary Collette said the city needs to become more "compact" by restricting growth within current city boundaries.

Some members said they want the city to have fewer nuisance law issues.

From July 1 to Oct. 31, the city had 3,191 service requests -- or complaints -- from 2,536 individuals for public health, infrastructure or nuisance issues, city spokeswoman Louise Whall said.

Councilman Ralph Manley said future Springfieldians would benefit from fewer complaints to city government.

"I don't like the complaints," Manley said. "I like to please our citizens -- at least the majority of them."

The discussion was part of the council's deliberation over creating long-term strategic goals. City leaders also want their goals to help generate a city slogan of sorts.

Councilman Doug Burlison suggested "city of opportunity" as a possible slogan.

Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver said the city should highlight its cultural events and festivals. He pointed to last Thursday's Eagles concert at the new JQH Arena as a "big city event" that should be highlighted as a way to attract young people to the region.

"That's a real calling card for our community," he said of festivals and special events.

Manley said city residents should take more pride in the town as it is.

"We've really got it great, if we can only realize it," Manley said.