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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 State of the City Addressi.-. \ ' 1. "\` C-D V eit y o &Aubbucl 5160 Yellowstone Avenue Chubbuck, Idaho 83201 (208) 237 -2400 Off cz of tgz mayoZ STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE JANUARY 1982 This evening I have initiated a change in council procedure. One that is long overdue in our city meetings. I asked bishop Boyd Neider of the 33rd ward to offer invocation. I intend that each regular council meeting, that is those meetings held on the 2nd and 4th tuesdays of the month, be convened with prayer. I intend to rotate this opportunity among the clergy of the city with hopefully all religious denominations being represented. As mayor it is my opportunity and resp risibility to report the state of our city. I have invited each employee of the city, especially department heads, to be here tonight. I have also extended an invitation to all volunteer members of city organizations to be here. I regret these invitations were overlooked and had to be delivered by phone message today. Our city is in my opinion in good condition both physically and financially. We are adequately providing the services, within the constraints of the budget, the people of our community need and desire. Our financial condition is good. Our city clerk, Mrs. Vera Armstrong, supervises a program of book - keeping and record - keeping that is efficient and well done. The auditors have complimented the city on the completeness of her records. Our entire staff, with Steve Smart overseeing the entire program other than the city office, is to be complimented. Jordan Stuart and his people are to be commended for their dedication to the city. The plows have been on the streets all night at times this winter. And in this regard I appologize to those whose drive -ways we block - -you will have to take care of them - -we do not have the personel or time. And I would encourage all to off street park their vehicles so the plows can do an even better job of removing snow from the streets. To those whom we have inconvienced we appologize and also if we have damaged any property we will be back in the spring and correct the problem. I express the appreciation of all our community to those employees who continually go the "extra mile" for the city. I express appreciation to those who serve in the volunteer groups- -fire and police. You certainly have to be special people. They risk harm, accidents and even death eit y a 4?Aubbucl 5160 Yellowstone Avenue Chubbuck, Idaho 83201 (208) 237 -2400 January 1982 OfficE of t4. Mayoz in their professions. And the greatest satisfaction they they receive is a grateful thank you from the people of Chubbuck. Those of you who serve on P & Z, I know that is not the correct name but it is the one I remember at all times, are certainly appreciated and have been dedicated to your assignment. We do however have some areas of concern. At this time we do not have any too critical areas, but there are problems beginning to appear. We need, as a city council, address /various x�d concerns. Our utility services -- water, sanitation and sewer need rate review this spring. Water and sanitation rates have been changed only twice in the past twelve years and the sewer rate has been lowered as was promised by the council in our campaign to pass the sewer bond.Due to economic conditions beyond our control, the increased cost of doing business and general inflation at all levels it will be necessary to adjust rates to provide a base from which the city can adequately provide these services. Our physical plant has again been increased in size with the addition of a new maintenance building. This building is headquarters for all our city maintenance projects. This is a handsome, functional building and one we can be very proud of. It should be adequate for years to come. located The police are "tightly" housed in the home /immediately east of the city office building. Chief Stone is in charge of a very efficient and courteous law enforce- ment unit. Various officers of the department have received recognition for their outstanding work. The addition of a full time crime prevention officer, housed in the city office building for lack of room in the police station, has been an outstanding addition to the police program. The volunteer police are again to be commended for their dedication. We are first class in police protection. The volunteer fire people are truly a special breed. Whenever I hear a fire siren in the night I give a prayer of thankfulness for these fellows and their wives and families. We have ordered a new fire truck. We feel this addition will provide the city with protection to enable the city receive a lower (better) fire rating and thereby reduce insurance premiums to all residents and businesses of the city. &ty 4 &Aubbud 5160 Yellowstone Avenue Chubbuck, Idaho 83201 (208) 237 -2400 January 1982 Office of Me mayoi This reduction if realized could result in savings that would offset the cost of the new unit. The addition of this new unit somewhat creates a new problem. We are again bulging at the seams in the fire station and the council must immediately look toward a new facility. I suggest this new facility be a combination fire and police station. By joint occupation many features can be utilized by each department . Future communications being one of these as well as various training areas. I would suggest this building be located on the present city property facing highway avenue immediately east of the city building. I would also suggest that we immediately form a committee with the council member over the recreation program as chairman to find a way to build a swimming pool in our city. We have long flirted on the outskirts of this facility - -I would now hope it can become a reality within the next two years. In our parks and recreation programs I report to you we have several. of the finest parks in southeast Idaho. We have acquired an addition to the park located on Teton and Victor streets. This will enable the construction of another off - street ball field. This field should be ready in the summer of 1983. These ball programs continue to increase in nber. We co- operate with Tyhee, utilizing two fields located in that community in our program. This has been a relief for the fields in Chubbuck and also provides a program in the Tyhee area. This program should be continued and improved. The young ladies ball program has functioned but with great difficulty and without the attention it deserves. I promise we shall improve your facilities and help to improve this program. our I have reviewed many of /city programs. We have received great support from you our citizens. We solicit your suggestions. We need your ideas -- please write and. leave your thoughts and ideas on how we can improve our community. Now, I express my appreciation to Mr. Romriell. He and I were elected together in Mayor the fall of 1969. /He has been an outstanding councilman- -one who has taken the time to become informed and knowledgable of all city functions. Never have I at council meeting turned to Earl and not have him respond in a Positive manner. I appreciate him and will miss him on the council. But - -there is nothing so certain as change. We welcome Tom Nield. Tom will be a good councilman in his own right. We never replace another- -for each has his talents to give and we look forward to serving with Mr. Nield. &ty 4 &Aubbud 5160 Yellowstone Avenue Chubbuck, Idaho 83201 (208) 237 -2400 January 1982 Off cz of M. ►nayoz City council assignments for the year 1982 will be as follows: Kinghorn: Police — 1, tA -4- c,, .a;v r lr-;A -;o ,,( Quick: Streets and -fix department Hopkins: Fire Department Nield: Parks and Recreation Mayor: Will co- ordinate each area with the council superviser. I suggest that the Chubbuck day celebration continue under the leadership of the parks and recreation chairman. With the addition of the Chubbuck merchants group and their support we should have a Chubbuck day or days celebration second to none we have had to this time. We already have our date and work should commence immediately toward this celebration. I had an outstanding trip to Washington D. C. and an opportunity to meet with the President of the United States. This was a tremendous experience. I could not hardly believe I was there. Being your mayor has been a fine experience. The people of our city have been extremely courteous to my wife Alice and I. I trust we can continue on with a program that is mutually beneficial to all and one that will continue to provide the services we desire and need. Mayor