June 2011 Roundup

Property Owners from our downtown came before the City Council to ask us to help facilitate code changes and administration procedures to help facilitate a more prosperous district. The Council responded that we should put this on a front burner and in short work get to decisions points. Staff had proposed a more process laden approach in which I heard the City Council reject.

Fencing on route 41 pedestrian overpass was again postponed because of lack of time. I am hoping that we can get this moving soon to install fencing to protect our bike riders and vehicles on 41.

We extended Karger lease agreement with Community Family Center for another year..... This gives them time to continue to raise money. Also, The Music Theater Company will be continuing their great performances at Karger during this transition. Please check out both these websites to support these great organizations.

Old Council rejected my request to use additional funding to repair more streets in town. I am hopeful the new City Council will authorize a one time use of funds for enhancement of our aging infrastructure. Our reserves are now over 40% and our fiscal policy requires 25%-33%. We will begin the budget process in July.

The threat of the State stealing our Local Government Distributive money is over for this year and I personally would like to thank Senator Garrett and Representative May for supporting our position.

Interviews for our seventh Council seat have gone well. We had 27 interested citizens of which one will be brought forward by our Mayor for final approval by the City Council. The vote and seating of our newest Councilman will be on June 27th.